Medical advancements are by far my favorite technology and my inspiration. The speed at which scientists were able to successfully develop and deploy a vaccination for COVID 19 offers tremendous hope for our future. When the pandemic began, blind fear took over for so many of us. We as humans turned to science technology to turn the pandemic around, and so it did! Modern medical science proved once again that there is hope for our future. Despite the more realistic prediction of YEARS to develop a vaccine, we received this hope in under a year. The introduction of the COVID 19 vaccine reduced the infection rates and markedly reduced adverse outcomes including hospitalization and ICU admissions. In a world full of fear, with lock down orders leading to social isolation and desperate measures, we began to have hope that the end may be coming. As a student of technology and science, I can only hope to contribute like this someday. While we’re still struggling to bring back a new normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic, the elimination of mask orders and return to work practices are good indications that we are now endemic. Our hope grows and our anxieties decrease. Medicine technology is exceptionally interesting to me as I would like to help others in this way in the future. I will be moving onto a biology research team to investigate my own family genetics and cancer prevalence when I begin college. Technology is allowing for genetic research to be closely examined as we identify the genes and their roles. Mutations can now be identified which can allow for improved prevention and interventions. There is even talk of a breast cancer vaccine! The current environment is ideal for a female researcher to utilize modern technology to advance therapies for breast cancer. My own family history and genetic mutations offer the perfect subject source. I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Joseph Farris as he intends to expand his research at Saginaw Valley State University on my family genes. Medical technologies are what saved the world during the recent pandemic, and also what saved my mother at the same time from her own diagnosis of breast cancer. Maybe someday I will be the one to offer an ultimate cure for breast cancer and make the world a better place.

Medical advancements are by far my favorite technology and where I hope to make headway during my own career. The speed at which scientists were able to successfully develop and deploy a vaccination for COVID 19 offers tremendous hope for our future. When the pandemic began, blind fear took over for so many of us. We watched China in horror and denial, believing that whatever horrible illness was claiming lives and causing quarantine like we’ve only seen in movies couldn’t really be coming to us. We as humans turned to science technology to turn the pandemic around, and so it did! Modern medical science proved once again that there is hope for our future. Despite the more realistic prediction of YEARS to develop a vaccine, we received this hope in under a year. I’m blown away by the way technology has allowed for such treatments to save the world! The introduction of the COVID 19 vaccine reduced the infection rates and markedly reduced adverse outcomes including hospitalization and ICU admissions. In a world full of fear, with lock down orders leading to social isolation and desperate measures, we began to have hope that the end may be coming. As a student of technology and science, I can only hope to contribute like this someday. While we’re still struggling to bring back a new normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic, the elimination of mask orders and return to work practices are good indications that we are now endemic. Our hope grows and our anxieties decrease. Medicine technology is exceptionally interesting to me as I would like to help others in this way in the future. I look forward to contributing to similar technology in my own STEM career. I will be moving onto a biology research team to investigate my own family genetics and cancer prevalence when I begin college. Technology is allowing for genetic research to be closely examined as we identify the genes and their roles. Mutations can now be identified which can allow for improved prevention and interventions. There is even talk of a breast cancer vaccine! The current environment is ideal for a female researcher to utilize modern technology to advance therapies for breast cancer. My own family history and genetic mutations offer the perfect subject source. I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Joseph Farris as he intends to expand his research at Saginaw Valley State University on my family genes. Medical technologies are what saved the world during the recent pandemic, and also what saved my mother at the same time from her own diagnosis of breast cancer. Maybe someday I will be the one to offer an ultimate cure for breast cancer. I can’t wait!

Medical advancements are by far my favorite scientific discoveries. The speed at which scientists were able to successfully develop and deploy a vaccination for COVID 19 offers tremendous hope for our future. When the pandemic began, blind fear took over for so many of us. We watched China in horror and denial, believing that whatever horrible illness was claiming lives and causing quarantine like we’ve only seen in movies couldn’t really be coming to us. We as humans turned to science to turn the pandemic around, and so it did! Modern medical science proved once again that there is hope for our future. Despite the more realistic prediction of YEARS to develop a vaccine, we received this hope in under a year. The introduction of the COVID 19 vaccine reduced the infection rates and markedly reduced adverse outcomes including hospitalization and ICU admissions. In a world full of fear, with lock down orders leading to social isolation and desperate measures, we began to have hope that the end may be coming. While we’re still struggling to bring back a new normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic, the elimination of mask orders and return to work practices are good indications that we are now endemic. Our hope grows and our anxieties decrease. We’re rescheduling our parties, races, sport events, and travel plans. I’m proud to have survived the Pandemic and to bear witness to what science can do to save the world. I look forward to contributing to similar scientific discoveries in my own STEM career.

The speed at which scientists were able to successfully develop and deploy a vaccination for COVID 19 offers tremendous hope for our future. When the pandemic began, blind fear took over for so many of us. We watched China in horror and denial, believing that whatever horrible illness was claiming lives and causing quarantine like we’ve only seen in movies couldn’t really be coming to us. As COVID 19 made its way into the United States and hospitals in New York began to fill, small communities such as the one I live in began to really worry. Basic household supplies like toilet paper disappeared from the shelves of stores. Groceries became harder to find and buy. Our government directed us to stay home. Tests for COVID, PPE, and ventilators were not available for everyone. It seemed like all hope was gone for such a long time. Then, finally, the announcement of a working vaccine was made and a glimmer of hope seemed possible. Modern medical science proved once again that there is hope for our future. Despite the more realistic prediction of YEARS to develop a vaccine, we received this hope in under a year. The introduction of the COVID 19 vaccine reduced the infection rates and markedly reduced adverse outcomes including hospitalization and ICU admissions. In a world full of fear, with lock down orders leading to social isolation and desperate measures, we began to have hope that the end may be coming. While we’re still struggling to bring back a new normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic, the elimination of mask orders and return to work practices are good indications that we are now endemic. Our hope grows and our anxieties decrease. We’re rescheduling our parties, races, sport events, and travel plans. I’m proud to have survived the Pandemic and also HOPE to never live through another.

I’ve received the generosity of others, and always try to give back in any way that I can. Of course, I try to be most generous to those in most need. My mother was diagnosed with a rare and fast growing type of cancer in June of 2020. We were quickly brought into the world of chemotherapy and the side effects of hair loss. The nurses were very busy helping the most needy, so I became pretty helpful to the other patients around us who needed chair adjustments, help reaching things, or a drink/snack. As patients would talk about their cancer related problems, I realized everybody was struggling to find good headwear. Everybody liked something different, and spent a lot of money in trial and error to find what they liked. Some of the women liked wigs, while a lot of the men preferred a style of hat. I learned that the hospital offered nothing to help, and couldn’t even make a referral within a several county radius for reasonably priced headwear. To help these patients who are often on a fixed income budget to find something comfortable to cover their head, I started a group online where they can donate or receive free headwear. I sent out fliers to oncology at the local hospitals, and invited friends from the cancer therapy groups. The site has received great feedback and I love collecting and delivering items to help them! Find us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyheadwear.

My mother was diagnosed with a rare and fast growing type of cancer in June of 2020. We were quickly brought into the world of chemotherapy and the side effects of hair loss. At the Infusion Center, most of the patients were elderly. It was rare to see someone as young as my mom in a chair with an IV attached. The nurses were very busy helping the most needy, so I became pretty helpful to the older patients around us who needed chair adjustments, help reaching things, or a drink/snack. As patients would talk about their cancer related problems, I realized everybody was struggling to find good headwear. Everybody liked something different, and spent a lot of money in trial and error to find what they liked. Some of the older women liked wigs, while a lot of the older men preferred a style of hat. I learned that the hospital offered nothing to help, and couldn’t even make a referral within a several county radius for reasonably priced headwear. To help these senior patients who are often on a fixed income budget to find something comfortable to cover their head, I started a group online where they can donate or receive free headwear. I sent out fliers to oncology at the local hospitals, and invited friends from the cancer therapy groups. The site has received great feedback and I love collecting and delivering items to help them! Find me at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyheadwear.

Cheerleading is a fierce sport and I am a highly competitive participant. I’ve worked hard to perfect the skills I have today and am still working to learn new skills. I started in gymnastics when I was 5 years old and I couldn’t wait to be like the older gymnasts doing tucks and tumbling passes. I had several mentors, and am now able to help coach younger students. I can only hope that I am also a positive role model and mentor to them because I realize how very important all of my words and actions are as I teach them. I remember watching the fliers and tumblers and wanting to be just like them. So, I know that the younger kids in our cheer camps are watching me and my every move. I make sure I dress appropriately to set a good example, and I keep a positive attitude and smile on my face at all times. When I work with them individually, I get down to their eye level and give them positive feedback on their skills and moves. I make sure to add a reinforcement such as commenting on their tight arm movements, and give them something to improve on, such as a reminder to point their toe when they kick. Also, I make sure the young students know that cheerleading is a competitive sport and requires hard work and dedication. I demonstrate for them the extra conditioning skills and effort, and show them the weight room and strength training goals that will help them improve their skill set. It warms my heart to know I can offer myself as a mentor, the way others have done for me.

Act 1, scene 1; “It was a dark and stormy night…” I love Opening Night of every play I am in. The audience is waiting in the dark for the curtain to draw open and the lights to come on. They’re anticipating what they might see, while we are backstage ready to blow them away with our well rehearsed talents! Will they love it? Will we hit our marks? Theater allows me to share all my best talents! I can role play anybody! I get to be anybody I want to be! The costumes and make-up get me into character and I can add accents and attitudes and create the persona I want to display. Theater offers the opportunity to sing, dance, create, design, and show off any and all of my talents on one stage. Lights, sound, scenes, and performance are all options. I truly love to sing and I can do this on stage in almost any show that I'm cast in. Dancing just comes with the singing and helps me express the feeling of the song. I do have strong talent in these areas and often get the role that I audition for, allowing me to gain confidence in my skills. Hair and makeup are further areas in which I can show off some talent during theater, and most of the cast and crew ask me to do their finishing touches to create polished looks. We're currently rehearsing High School Musical, and I can't wait to get out there as Gabriella and strut my stuff!!

Act 1, scene 1; “It was a dark and stormy night…” I love Opening Night of every play I am in. The audience is waiting in the dark for the curtain to draw open and the lights to come on. They’re anticipating what they might see, while we are backstage ready to blow them away with our well rehearsed talents! Will they love it? Will we hit our marks? Theater is my absolute favorite hobby! I can role play anybody! I get to be anybody I want to be! The costumes and make-up get me into character and I can add accents and attitudes and create the persona I want to display. Theater offers the opportunity to sing, dance, create, design, and show off any and all of my talents on one stage. Lights, sound, scenes, and performance are all options. Our drama team is a family. It’s a safe, welcoming home for all students and especially those who don’t always feel comfortable in sports. During rehearsals we cut loose and can be silly and have some fun without fear of judgements. And in the end, we have an amazing combination of our best talents showcased for the community to come and enjoy. Standing on the stage, holding hands to take a bow, we’re all one in our love for theater.

The world’s population is growing. By 2057 another 2 billion people will be on this planet. There are already 1 billion people who do not have enough food. The growing population will further threaten our world’s agriculture and increase food insecurity. Climate changes including rising temperatures will continue to cause difficulty in producing viable fruits and vegetables. WHAT CAN I DO?!? 1. Educate myself. I had to do the research and learn WHY it's so important for each of us, as individuals, to have a positive impact on the climate. 2. Donate clothing. My whole family gives clothing to local donation centers for reuse to reduce wasted materials filling dumps. 3. Recycle garbage. I sort through the family trash AND the school trash cans to pick out easily recycled items such as water bottles and papers. 4. Reuse my water bottle. Every day I fill up my water bottle and keep on sippin' without waste. 5. Reusable straws. My family used to purchase disposable straws until I showed them the liter in the ocean and the harm it causes our sealife (including those adorable turtles!). For many years now, we ONLY have reusable straws available at our house. 6. Grow plants. I have several small pots for tomatoes, oregano, cilantro, and parsley that I can keep going. I also grow broccoli sprouts in a jar weekly to promote sustainable nutrition and agriculture.

I AM work hard, play hard. So it is necessary for me to build in routine downtime. I’ve had to find a way to manage my own stress and anxiety. BATH: My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a nice long bath. The feeling of floating in the warm water and the sound of the running water soothe me tremendously. MUSIC: During a walk down the nearby rail-trail, or as I take a drive, music helps me let go of tension and mellows stressful thoughts. I have HOURS of Taylor Swift’s soothing songs on my playlist. Can’t go wrong with Taylor Swift! SUPPORT SYSTEM: Whether I’m upset about a bad grade or frustrated with an interaction with someone else, I know I can call my friends and family for help. SELF-MONITOR: When I’m feeling anxious and my stomach starts to feel queasy, I take note consciously of my current anxiety level on a scale of 1 to 10. This helps me recognize the level of anxiety compared to other situations and as I utilize my resources to reduce the anxiety, I can measure improvement. DOGS: My dog, Queenie, is another awesome resource to help get through some anxious times. She has kind brown eyes and looks at me as if she can tell I need some extra help some days. WEIGHTED BLANKETS: Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows, weighted blankets and a warm bed to climb into. The weight of the blanket envelopes me and makes me feel safe and protected, alleviating the anxiety of the day. THERAPY: But, I know that if the need presents for professional help, I can ask for and get it. If I ever needed professional help again, I know I can ask and get the help I need.

In June of 2020, my mother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. I had to find my own go-to list of personalized mental health resources. The steps below are what I do to stay the course and get closer to my goals, which sometimes is just making it through the day. BATH: My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a nice long bath. Almost every night, and even twice on Saturdays, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. When I need a bonus relax moment, I add a perfectly concocted spiced chai tea to bath time. The feeling of floating in the warm water and the sound of the running water soothe me tremendously. MUSIC: During a walk down the nearby rail-trail, or as I take a drive, music helps me let go of tension and mellows stressful thoughts. I have HOURS of Taylor Swift’s soothing songs on my playlist. Can’t go wrong with Taylor Swift! SUPPORT SYSTEM: Whether I’m upset about a bad grade or frustrated with an interaction with someone else, I know I can call my friends and family for help. I can turn to my support system any time of day or night. My grandma and my mom are my best adult sources of feedback. They offer different perspectives that can help me change my thinking and thus improve my mood. We can problem solve and resolve stressors. SELF-MONITOR: As my stress has increased this year, I’ve started keeping track of my anxiety levels as recommended by my therapist and my mom. When I’m feeling anxious and my stomach starts to feel queasy, I take note consciously of my current anxiety level on a scale of 1 to 10. This helps me recognize the level of anxiety compared to other situations and as I utilize my resources to reduce the anxiety, I can measure improvement. DOGS: My dog, Queenie, is another awesome resource to help get through some anxious times. Her wagging tail and nudging head offer positive reinforcement when I pet and snuggle her. She has kind brown eyes and looks at me as if she can tell I need some extra help some days. SAFE BED/WEIGHTED BLANKETS: Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows, weighted blankets and a warm bed to climb into. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and relaxation for me as well. The weight of the blanket envelopes me and makes me feel safe and protected, alleviating the anxiety of the day. THERAPY: Bottom line, I can utilize my mental health resources and keep myself pretty stable. But, I know that if the need presents for professional help, I can ask for and get it. Recently I suffered a devastating unexpected loss. I was completely distraught and I felt the need to protect my typical support system from my personal trauma. So I asked my mom to get me help. She set me up with a therapist who I can schedule with anytime I need to. My therapist keeps my concerns confidential and helped me process feelings and move forward. If I ever needed professional help again, I know I can ask and get the help I need. I will pay it forward someday when I become a physician and can truly listen to my patients with empathy and knowledge to offer.

I’ve experienced the stress of a mental health crisis in the lives of friends and family, so I recognize the importance of having my own go-to list of personalized mental health resources. Coming into the end of my Junior year of high school, with incredible pressure to select a college, pick a major, apply for scholarships, and study for the SATs, I have had to expand my resources. I’ve had to find a way to manage my own stress and anxiety. See below for the ultimate “Jozlyn Mental Health Tip List”. BATH: My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a long bath. Almost every night, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. The feeling of floating in the warm water and the sound of the running water soothe me tremendously. MUSIC: During a walk down the nearby rail-trail, or as I take a drive, music helps me let go of tension and mellows stressful thoughts. I have HOURS of Taylor Swift’s soothing songs on my playlist. Can’t go wrong with Taylor Swift! SUPPORT SYSTEM: Whether I’m upset about a bad grade or frustrated with an interaction with someone else, I know I can call my friends and family for help. I can turn to my support system any time of day or night. My grandma and my mom are my best adult sources of feedback. They offer different perspectives that can help me change my thinking and thus improve my mood. We can problem solve and resolve stressors. SELF-MONITOR: As my stress has increased this year, I’ve started keeping track of my anxiety levels as recommended by my therapist and my mom. When I’m feeling anxious and my stomach starts to feel queasy, I take note consciously of my current anxiety level on a scale of 1 to 10. This helps me recognize the level of anxiety compared to other situations and as I utilize my resources to reduce the anxiety, I can measure improvement. DOGS: My dog, Queenie, is another awesome resource to help get through some anxious times. Her wagging tail and nudging head offer positive reinforcement when I pet and snuggle her. She has kind brown eyes and looks at me as if she can tell I need some extra help some days. SAFE BED/WEIGHTED BLANKETS: Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows, weighted blankets and a warm bed to climb into. I have an electric blanket to turn on for particularly cold nights. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and relaxation for me as well. The weight of the blanket envelopes me and makes me feel safe and protected, alleviating the anxiety of the day. THERAPY: Bottom line, I can utilize my mental health resources and keep myself pretty stable. But, I know that if the need presents for professional help, I can ask for and get it. Recently I suffered a devastating unexpected loss. I was completely distraught and I felt the need to protect my typical support system from my personal trauma. So I asked my mom to get me help. She set me up with a therapist who I can schedule with anytime I need to. My therapist keeps my concerns confidential and helped me process feelings and move forward. If I ever needed professional help again, I know I can ask and get the help I need.

I live my life trying to help others in my community and being empathetic toward the difficulties others may face. Being involved and active in my small town gives me an incredible sense of pride and belonging. There is nothing better than being the go-to person, knowing that others know they can find me and I can help because I’ve helped them before. I’m working to develop formal ways to engage others as I put myself in their shoes and try to really see other perspectives when I help. After my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on Facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. This particular project is certainly needed in our community. I remember when my mother's hair started to fall out. She was devastated and tried SO many wigs, hats, scarves, and wraps trying to find something comfortable and affordable. I learned from her struggle and can empathize with other chemotherapy patients and their need for variety of items to try out. Many other patients are growing their hair and a place for donations is helpful to all! The patients have offered positive feedback to me when I pick up donations and when I deliver items to those in need. It feels good for me and for them.

In June of 2020 my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Life was already uncertain with the COVID-19 Pandemic underway. Leaders worldwide were issuing lockdown orders. Hospital services were limited and the surgery schedule was backed up for months making it impossible to schedule all of the surgeries recommended at the time. My family cried a lot. We laughed a lot also. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. I had to be optimistic during her hospitalizations when I was not allowed to visit because of the pandemic. My cheer team wore pink, made posters, and we sent pictures to cheer her up. I shaved her head when her hair started to fall out from chemotherapy. One day I set up a wig and prosthetic beauty salon in the living room and we giggled through some ridiculous looks. I even dressed my step-brother with a long blonde wig and D cup breast prosthetics which helped the whole family laugh and reduce the tension from her illness. As the aspiring medical professional in the family, I give her the prescribed monthly injections required even though it’s hard for me to see her sick. She relies on me to style her new hair as it goes through some difficult phases while growing back. I break out the flat iron, barrettes, and add some hairspray until we find a workable style. I encourage my mom to keep fighting and to move forward from the changes she faces from cancer. Staying optimistic has helped our whole family overcome the diagnosis and work together for best outcomes.

I'm a back-tuck crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! I play the flute, sing on stage, and love chameleons. I am the BOLD, loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! I love to spread positivity. I set my goals and achieve them. Fun fact about me - I have a "toe-thumb" - who wants proportionate thumbs anyway?! I work hard to keep all A's. I study and monitor my grades closely to make sure I'm reaching my goals. I've started dual enrollment and am taking college level math classes. It was intimidating at first, but now I'm very comfortable and achieving great scores. I speak my mind and promote equality. My t-shirts, walls, car, and even water bottle all proudly tote EQUALITY messages. I work daily to ensure all others are included in any activity I'm involved with. I am a leader and I stand up for others. My friends know I am here for them and they come to me for help. While I'm not always confident and it takes practice in various situations to gain confidence, I AM confident as an intelligent young human being. No questions are dumb. If I find myself in a new situation and I need to gain experience and confidence, I watch, listen, and learn - and before you know it, I'm leading the way again.

The Chicago Picasso is one of the first sculptures I had ever seen by a famous artist. During a tour of Chicago when I was younger, we spent more than an hour playing on the sculpture. We had the absolute best time climbing and sliding back down. I doubt this was Pablo Picasso’s plan for his art, but I do like to think that maybe it was. Interactive art is far more interesting to children and it becomes more than just an object to look at. We get to become part of the art and it can take on a whole new meaning. A little research on the sculpture can give the cubist background and of course there is much to read about Pablo Picasso if you want to speculate further on the meaning of this piece. Picasso acknowledged that the face of the sculpture was inspired by his hound dog. I personally find it more baboon-like while also perceiving a feeling of grandness. I think it's as if a Pharaoh is looking out over the windy city and sending positivity out to the people. With the base offering a slide for children and the head radiating good vibes, this sculpture inspires me to stop and enjoy a moment of the day. It gives a spot to take a break from the fast pace and play. As a donation to the city from an incredible artist the Chicago Picasso gives the city opportunity to embrace art and others.

I live my life trying to help others in my community. Being involved and active in my small town gives me an incredible sense of pride and belonging. There is nothing better than being the go-to person, knowing that others know they can find me and I can help because I’ve helped them before. The respect from those around me feels great, and I love being able to walk around anywhere in my school and town greeting everybody by name. I have a lot of regular volunteer projects and make myself approachable and available to help with short-notice needs as well. Also, I’m working to develop formal ways to engage others. After my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on Facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need.

I learned something that really changed my perspective when I watched the documentary “Borrowed Future”. In this film several financial professionals share concerns about student loans and the difficulties caused by extreme debt that students finish their education with. There are also groups of new students and their plans for college and how to pay for it. And there are past students describing their serious difficulties with student debt. Overall it seems very easy for young students to sign up for loans without fully understanding the long term consequences. Students find it so easy to get loans that they do not focus enough on applying for scholarships. Within the documentary, the long term consequences and difficulties faced by individuals with large student loan debts definitely encouraged me to pursue scholarship applications such as this. If students save before college, work during college, and apply for scholarships to avoid student loan debt, their entire future can be improved. They can focus on starting their careers and potentially starting families, rather than trying to pay bills that continue to compound. Also, choosing a college responsibly is important, and my perspective is very different since watching this documentary. College’s have very different prices per credit hour and for housing, while the education they offer may not vary much. Some Universities may have prestige, good sports teams, or beautiful campuses. As young students, we easily get sold on a particular school for some of these reasons, and completely forget the actual purpose of attending college is to get your education and degree. If you pick a school with intention and with a plan, you will save yourself from taking unnecessary classes at an overpriced place. The valuable life changing information will help me as I prepare to graduate high school next year.

I learned something that really changed my perspective when I watched the documentary “Borrowed Future”. In this film several financial professionals share concerns about student loans and the difficulties caused by extreme debt that students finish their education with. There are also groups of new students and their plans for college and how to pay for it. And there are past students describing their serious difficulties with student debt. Overall it seems very easy for young students to sign up for loans without fully understanding the long term consequences. Students find it so easy to get loans that they do not focus enough on applying for scholarships. Within the documentary, the long term consequences and difficulties faced by individuals with large student loan debts definitely encouraged me to pursue scholarship applications such as this. If students save before college, work during college, and apply for scholarships to avoid student loan debt, their entire future can be improved. They can focus on starting their careers and potentially starting families, rather than trying to pay bills that continue to compound. Also, choosing a college responsibly is important, and my perspective is very different since watching this documentary. College’s have very different prices per credit hour and for housing, while the education they offer may not vary much. Some Universities may have prestige, good sports teams, or beautiful campuses. As young students, we easily get sold on a particular school for some of these reasons, and completely forget the actual purpose of attending college is to get your education and degree. If you pick a school with intention and with a plan, you will save yourself from taking unnecessary classes at an overpriced place. The valuable life changing information will help me as I prepare to graduate high school next year.

In June of 2020 my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. My family cried a lot. We laughed a lot also. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. My bucket list today includes finding a cure for cancer. I am going to be a doctor and will be conducting research along the way. I’ve already connected with Dr. Joseph Farris at Saginaw Valley State University and am providing him with medical records and genetic testing from across my family. We believe the instances of prostate and breast cancer in the family are far beyond coincidence. Dr. Farris is preparing the foundation to apply for grant funding to begin research on my family’s genetics. I will be part of his team when I start classes there in the Fall semester of 2023. Additionally, I started a site online to collect donations and redistribute headwear to cancer patients. Happy Head Wear can be found on FaceBook groups and I pick up local donations of wigs, hats, and scarves. Then, patients in need contact me through the site and I deliver the items they select. This was a big area of need and it works really well and gets positive feedback. My bucket list includes continuing to grow this project and expand into other communities.

In June of 2020 my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Life was already uncertain with the COVID-19 Pandemic underway. Hospital services were limited and the surgery schedule was backed up for months making it impossible to schedule all of the surgeries recommended at the time. My family cried a lot. We laughed a lot also. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. I had to find creative ways to be encouraging during her hospitalizations when I was not allowed to visit because of the pandemic. My cheer team wore pink, made posters, and we sent pictures to cheer her up. I shaved her head when her hair started to fall out from chemotherapy. One day I set up a wig and prosthetic beauty salon in the living room and we giggled through some ridiculous looks. I even dressed my step-brother with a long blonde wig and D cup breast prosthetics which helped the whole family laugh and reduce the tension from her illness. As the aspiring medical professional in the family, I give her the prescribed monthly injections required even though it’s hard for me to see her sick. I do more housework so she can rest. She relies on me to style her new hair as it goes through some difficult phases while growing back. I break out the flat iron, barrettes, and add some hairspray until we find a workable style. She models fashion styles for my review with and without prosthetics as we work to make her feel more like her pre-cancer self. I encourage my mom to keep fighting and to move forward from the changes she faces from cancer.

The future of education offers opportunities for advancement in technology and agriculture. Students need formal exposure in the education system to agriculture, climate change, and nutrition. Agriculture is quickly becoming a major world problem. The population is growing on our planet, the environment is changing, and supply chain problems persist. The solution includes educating youth. Information will prompt more interest and lead to solutions. Increasing the interest in how food is produced and processed would benefit the greatest by targeting the youth. There is no better way to sell the concept to them than through the smart phones they covet. With a focus on health and fitness, push the message to take that knowledge a step further and make the connection to where our food comes from. Influencers meet farmers and get THE ultimate fresh, healthy farm to table options for their meals. Market the agricultural process and get students excited about involvement. Could Netflix turn 4-H Club into the next docuseries and create farm-lebrities?!? Why not?!? Take advantage of the social media platforms to spread love and hype for nutrition and the production of healthy foods. Not only is this the social climate for opportunities galore in uptick of interest, we find ourselves in a time where the environmental climate is in need of our attention. Production of greenhouse gasses causes climbing temperatures. Political and social interest in saving our planet and resources are high. Take advantage of social media and push a health conscious focus out that highlights agriculture targeting our youth. Develop innovative relationships between food producers and the schools. Get school greenhouses growing food. Let the kids help make their food and see the process while reaping the nutritional benefits. While these programs exist, they’re underutilized. It’s time to go hog wild for agriculture and make American youth connect with their environment through formal education and use of technology.

Ayn Rand’s Anthem is definitely a GREAT book. The main theme is about individualism versus a forced collective society. While I enjoy that theme, I particularly admire the main female character, Gaea. Gaea is brave, smart, independent, and fearless. She also takes actions that demonstrate her commitment and loyalty to her partner. While she may be living in “damnation” with Prometheus, she recognized her individuality and left everything she knew to be safe in the world to lead a new and uncertain life. Something about her causes Prometheus (the main male character) to pick her out of the crowd and the two begin secretly acknowledging each other in regular passing. Even this behavior was not allowed but Gaea continued and even went a step farther to talk with him. She bravely gave him a drink of water, knowing there could be consequences and in Anthem lashings and burnings at the stake were not uncommon punishments. Gaea possesses a fearlessness that most 17 year old young women do not. She takes big risks to meet her own individual needs and makes her decisions alone. When Gaea learns that Prometheus has run into the forest, she too decides to enter the unknown forest full of anticipated dangers. She bravely and wisely tracks him while a full day behind him. She expresses her dedication and very soon after, her love for him. Gaea is very similar to the brave independent thinking women whom we are taught to admire today. Anthem is a quick easy read and has a lot more to offer young female readers than just the larger concept of the importance of individuality.

I am going to be a doctor. I am looking forward to the research I will conduct along the way, including with the team at Saginaw Valley State University who are preparing for preliminary work on my own family’s genetic predisposition for prostate and breast cancers. One of the most renowned women in cancer research who revolutionized the field is Jane C. Wright, and I hope to offer the medical field amazing advances just like her. Dr. Wright graduated from New York Medical College in 1945. She completed her residency at Harlem Hospital and went on to work at the Cancer Research Foundation at Harlem Hospital. She was appointed head of the Cancer Research Foundation when she was only 33 years old. Her work on human tissue culture response led to new techniques for administering chemotherapy to cancer patients. In June of 2020 my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. My family cried a lot. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. As the aspiring medical professional in the family, I give her the prescribed monthly injections required even though it’s hard for me to see her sick. Dr. Wright’s work to improve chemotherapy administration and advance treatment for cancer patients is meaningful to me on many levels. I hope to be a role model for others as well someday. I want to continue improvements to cancer treatments to help my mom and others like her. Dr. Jane C. Wright is one of recent history’s great minds indeed!

The best financial advice I’ve ever received was when I watched the documentary “Borrowed Future”. In this film several financial professionals share concerns about student loans and the difficulties caused by extreme debt that students finish their education with. There are also groups of new students and their plans for college and how to pay for it. And there are past students describing their serious difficulties with student debt. Overall it seems very easy for young students to sign up for loans without fully understanding the long term consequences. Students find it so easy to get loans that they do not focus enough on applying for scholarships. Within the documentary, the long term consequences and difficulties faced by individuals with large student loan debts definitely encouraged me to pursue scholarship applications such as this. If students save before college, work during college, and apply for scholarships to avoid student loan debt, their entire future can be improved. They can focus on starting their careers and potentially starting families, rather than trying to pay bills that continue to compound. Another very helpful piece of financial advice I gained from this documentary is that choosing a specific college is very important. College’s have very different prices per credit hour and for housing, while the education they offer may not vary much. Some Universities may have prestige, good sports teams, or beautiful campuses. As young students, we easily get sold on a particular school for some of these reasons, and completely forget the actual purpose of attending college is to get your education and degree. If you pick a school with intention and with a plan, you will save yourself from taking unnecessary classes at an overpriced place. I will be intentional with my pursuit of education because of this advice.

Agriculture is quickly becoming a major world problem. The population is growing on our planet, the environment is changing, and supply chain problems persist. The solution includes educating youth. Information will prompt more interest and lead to solutions. Increasing the interest in how food is produced and processed would benefit the greatest by targeting the youth. There is no better way to sell the concept to them than through the smart phones they covet. With a focus on health and fitness, push the message to take that knowledge a step further and make the connection to where our food comes from. Influencers meet farmers and get THE ultimate fresh, healthy farm to table options for their meals. Market the agricultural process and get students excited about involvement. Could Netflix turn 4-H Club into the next docuseries and create farm-lebrities?!? Why not?!? Take advantage of the social media platforms to spread love and hype for nutrition and the production of healthy foods. Not only is this the social climate for opportunities galore in uptick of interest, we find ourselves in a time where the environmental climate is in need of our attention. Production of greenhouse gasses causes climbing temperatures. Political and social interest in saving our planet and resources are high. Take advantage of social media and push a health conscious focus out that highlights agriculture targeting our youth. Develop innovative relationships between food producers and the schools. Get school greenhouses growing food. Let the kids help make their food and see the process while reaping the nutritional benefits. While these programs exist, they’re underutilized. It’s time to go hog wild for agriculture and make American youth connect with their environment.

I sprinkle creativity into my world daily. Bold color! Unique designs! Amazing music! While I can take these various aspects of design and apply to my interior spaces, my clothing and style, and the songs I create and listen to – there is a creative medium that allows for all these elements to be tied together so that I can mix and match and share my visions blended to a perfect piece! Videography and creative video editing allow me to express my ideas and promote concepts using images, sounds, colors, and timing to set the stage for my art. Cue the dancers! Start the peppy music! Speed up the reel! The choices I make when editing a video can quickly enhance the mood and engage my audience. A more serious tone might call for a slower pace, some darker lighting, and softer background music. I’ve tried various software and programs and appreciate ability to use the tool that best helps me express the creative message I’m conveying in each piece of art. Apple iMovie is easy and handy and works well for simple projects. TikTok is widespread and quickly shareable to reach a wider audience. Microsoft PowerPoint works well when I need to quickly voice over and add animation to my creations. My creative videos span from expressions of pride over a well performed cheer during competitive season, to a somber reflection of grief at the loss of a friend to a distracted driver. Videography allows me to express myself and the thoughts and feelings most important in widely varying ways.

I’m scared. Anxiety runs in my family, with my father having been hospitalized twice in the past due to his severe anxiety. This year, as I close out my Junior year of high school, I’m getting a taste of increasing anxiety with ongoing nausea and dread. I’ve always been outgoing and not usually scared to try new things. But the schoolwork is piling up. SATs are next week. Scholarship applications are due. I have to pick colleges to apply to and choose a major. I’ve never been at a bigger crossroad and am feeling the weight of these pressures. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by family and friends who love me and who do not stigmatize mental illness. I can talk with my mom and grandma if I need to. And, when things became a little too much to handle recently, I asked my mother to schedule me a therapy appointment. She immediately sought help and within 2 days I had my first appointment and learned coping skills and strategies to help alleviate my anxiety. If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health, seek help. This is the absolute most practical solution for someone in need. Do not be afraid to ask for help! Talk to someone, find a professional, and reach out. If you don’t have someone in your life who can help or find you help, get online. You can access free online internet services at your local library and search for local mental health authorities to guide you to the right place for you. A good place to start regardless of where you’re at in the nation is here: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help .

My most valuable traits are my hard work and perseverance. These characteristics are best demonstrated during my cheerleading seasons. As a base for my stunt group, I take blows to the face on a daily basis while my flier learns a new stunt. I stop at NOTHING to save my flier from hitting the floor. I sacrifice myself during stunts and during tumbling. This sport is not for the weak. I push myself to the limit and it requires an extreme amount of hard work. I work my tail off to train and lift weights to make sure I’m in every round during competition season and am front and center leading my team to victory. I stay extra hours in the weight room. I wake at 5am to get to the gym to fit in extra strength training. I hold extra practices at my house to ensure my stunt team is prepared and can hit every stunt without flaw. I have signed up for additional tumbling classes which I attend after 3 hour cheer practices, so that my team can earn the extra tumbling points to push us up to the top of our division. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. I cried at every orthopedic appointment when the doctor would advise I still could not return to full tumbling and the day he finally signed off, I almost did a cartwheel in the parking lot! At every competition, I prepare myself mentally persevere and step out in front of the audience, my coach, and my teammates in the front and center to lead our team. I throw back-tucks and handsprings that other girls are terrified to try. My skills do not come natural. My skills are the result of hard work, repetition, and perseverance. I face feedback and criticism head on, make changes, and improve. Unfortunately, I will not be a cheerleader forever. My tumbling, jumps, and precision movements will become obsolete in my world after school. However, the hard work and perseverance that I have found and honed over the years will help me as I pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a medical doctor. I know it will take incredible hard work to get through medical school. I will need perseverance to carry me through when I face struggles and challenges. Adversity will always be present in my life and I can use the same characteristics to help me as I forge on, into the future.

I am going to be a doctor. I will study biology, chemistry, and technology while learning how to apply all of this to the study of human health. Technology in health services is ever evolving and I am very excited to be a part of new technology in medical interventions. Like it or not, medical technology is a business and plays a large role in the global financial world. Use of robotics for precision surgery has already allowed for patients to have significantly reduced recovery time and improved these procedures. In fact, my grandfather was the first patient at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, Michigan to have a DaVinci Robot surgery for removal of his prostate cancer. Since then, use of this technology has been used on more than another 7,100 patients! I’ve been reviewing another new medical technology for building bones using plastics that can produce improved elasticity and dramatically improve the process for reconstruction. The use of this technology offers hope to patients where there was none. This technology utilizes 3D printers for the benefit of medical patients. Another up and coming medical technology that I am excited for includes a “Smart Bandage”. Patients with open wounds can be treated with a smart bandage that will monitor live stats including moisture and need for replacing. This can reduce the amount of interventions required and ultimately the recovery time. In 2020 with the global pandemic causing a need for social distancing, the technology of virtual patient visits became invaluable. What a remarkable ability! The practitioner's ability to assess the patient from afar thus offering safe delivery of necessary interventions! Along with the increased patient access comes increased revenue. In the first half of 2021 total venture capital investment into digital health totaled $14.7 billion – almost double the investment in 2019! Technology will continue to advance health sciences and improve patient care. I consider myself lucky to be on the forefront of the most current technological advances. I’m certain there are many more than I’m aware of and I can’t wait to be a part of the growth. When I told my family about my plans to become a doctor, most were very supportive. However, I also faced a little gender discrimination from my father who advised me to “just be a nurse”. Unfortunately for my old-fashioned and much behind the times father, I quickly disregarded his biased advice and continued planning my career path. Women can certainly choose to become nurses just as they can choose to become a doctor. While I plan to be on the front-line performing patient care, as I study to become a doctor, I will be doing research on genetics and medicines that will also offer new technologies for treatments. My family has a genetic mutation which is currently being investigated by a biologist at Saginaw Valley State University. I will be working on his grant funded research team to further investigate the beyond coincidental prevalence of breast and prostate cancers in my family. The potential medical and financial outcomes of this research could be widespread. As a woman in the STEM field, I can will be making a difference – watch and see!

I love to participate in social activities and many of those take place outdoors. Without the great outdoors we couldn’t cheer at football games, rollerblade down the rail trail, or have a cannonball contest in the swimming pool. I like to invite my stunt team over and lay out the gym mats in the yard to practice our routine and continue our tumbling training. I love to step outside when nobody is around and sing at the top of my lungs. I also love to look up at the sky and see the incredible colors of the sunrise and sunset. Stargazing, rainbow chasing, and watching lightning storms are also some of my favorite outdoor activities. I also enjoy some quiet time and one of my favorite places to relax is the hammock in the backyard. I can chill there and watch the clouds while listening to music for hours. Protecting our environment so we can continue to enjoy nature is extremely important to me. I carefully recycle everything I can. I’ve replaced the disposable straws in our house with reusable ones. I’ve replaced plastic water bottles with reusable bottles as well. We also now shop with reusable grocery bags. Every small change can add up to big ones and I continue to learn more ways we can conserve and preserve nature.

When it comes to studying, I have a few go-to techniques I utilize. Depending on the type of information I am studying, I might use flash cards. I often take notes and read or re-write to summarize these which can help me remember the information better. Color coding the information on the flash cards and in notes is also helpful because I am a visual learner. When there is a lot of information that includes terms and items to memorize, I will ask someone to quiz me with the flash cards I made. I’ve also utilized acronyms to help me remember information. When preparing for a band test, I like to review the acronyms I keep jotted on my folder for reading sheet music like: Every Good Boy Does Fine and All Cows Eat Grass for the notes. Sometimes I make my own acronyms also when studying other subjects like math and chemistry. Recently in my Medical Terminology class a new technique to apply a funny visual that starts with the same letter to help us remember each term was applied. This did help me in some of the situations so I might try this again in other subjects in the future. For example, if the term is “hypertension”, the teacher might ask us to envision the beginning of the word - “HYPER” - and imagine a group of hyper children jumping up. This would help us remember that HYPERtension is HIGH blood pressure (as opposed to low).

My goal is to complete my education with minimum debt. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. Through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. I am even taking dual enrollment college courses now to earn free credit hours to help meet my goal of financial freedom and a debt free degree!

Competitive cheerleading requires an exceptional amount of hard work. As a base for my stunt group, I take blows to the face on a daily basis while my flier learns a new stunt. I stop at NOTHING to save my flier from hitting the floor. I sacrifice myself during stunts and during tumbling. This sport is not for the weak. I push myself to the limit and it requires an extreme amount of persistence. I work my tail off to train and lift weights to make sure I’m in every round during competition season and am front and center leading my team to victory. I stay extra hours in the weight room. I hold extra practices at my house to ensure my stunt team is prepared and can hit every stunt without flaw. I have signed up for additional tumbling classes which I attend after 3 hour cheer practices, so that my team can earn the extra tumbling points to push us up to the top of our division. I’ve always started an additional community competitive cheer team so that I get more practice and workouts and learn new skills to bring back to my home team. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting it may be. I work my tail off and stay persistent!

Be kind, always. This is the wisest thing I've ever heard: Be kind, always. Our day to day interactions with others are ultimately the best indicator for our quality of life. Humans are social beings. We need others. As much as we wish what others thought of us did not matter, it does. We all care about the opinions of others. I value my life and my relationships. I enjoy many other things and some alone time as well. But when seeking a legacy and a meaning for my life, it is about others. So many others mean the world to me, and I hope, in turn, I mean something to them as well. This includes those I’m close with daily, mom, siblings, grandma, friends, and teammates. This also includes the strangers I encounter daily at the grocery store, in line at the library, and on the road as we drive past each other. A smile and friendly look can make someone’s day. To be kind is the wisdom I would want to share with the world.

My parents are divorced. My father is a restaurant manager and had 3 more younger siblings with my step-mother. My mother is a prison social worker and has 3 step-sons now. Each of my parents have some college money saved for my siblings and I - equivalent to about 1 year of in-State tuition at a public university. I intend to complete a pre-med undergraduate program as affordably as possible because I will then complete Medical School. My mom was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer in June of 2020. Her surgery and chemotherapy made it impossible for her to work for months. She still needs more surgeries and takes regular oral and injectable medications. While cancer hasn’t bankrupt our household there are ongoing financial repercussions. I am grateful for the opportunity and ability to apply for scholarships. I am also utilizing Dual Enrollment at my high school to take college courses now in an effort to reduce the cost of my undergraduate education. If I were handed $1000 right now, I would put it directly into my college savings account. Every last cent would go into my college fund because I have only 1 last year before college and my goal is to pay for college without debt.

I live my life trying to help others in my community. Being involved and active in my small town gives me an incredible sense of pride and belonging. There is nothing better than being the go-to person, knowing that others know they can find me and I can help because I’ve helped them before. The respect from those around me feels great, and I love being able to walk around anywhere in my school and town greeting everybody by name. I have a lot of regular volunteer projects and make myself approachable and available to help with short-notice needs as well. Also, I’m working to develop formal ways to engage others. After my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. In the fall, I assist in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites and replace them with new flags in the spring. I’ve also completed some fundraising for our local VFW. I volunteer at our local haunted house as a scene actor, scaring people for fun and fundraising for community scholarships. I run the school blood drives each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. Also, annually I dress up in costume for Read Across America day and visit the elementary school to read to younger students. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the high school. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. I will always volunteer in my community and I believe as I become more educated my ability to engage at a higher level will expand. To do so, I will need to work hard to get my education paid for. My parents are divorced. My father is a restaurant manager and had 3 more younger siblings with my step-mother. My mother is a prison social worker and has 3 step-sons now. Each of my parents have some college money saved for my siblings and I - equivalent to about 1 year of in-State tuition at a public university. I intend to complete a pre-med undergraduate program as affordably as possible because I will then complete Medical School. My mother was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer in June of 2020. Her surgery and chemotherapy made it impossible for her to work for months. She still needs more surgeries and takes regular oral and injectable medications. While cancer hasn’t bankrupt our household there are ongoing financial repercussions. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on helping with larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This will be my legacy. My motivation to achieve financial freedom encompasses my life experiences, my own personality, and my desire to be fiscally and morally responsible with all the blessings I have been given. I am fortunate enough to have the education and ability to write scholarship applications. I’m self-aware and knowledgeable enough to identify my need for help to obtain financial freedom in my pursuit of higher education. Consider me for your scholarship and know that I will continue my work helping the community in even bigger ways as a pediatrician in the future.

I have several hobbies I enjoy on a regular basis. Cheerleading and gymnastics are another one of my favorite pastimes!! I work HARD at constantly improving my stunts, jumps, and tumbling skills. I do extra workouts, take extra classes, and record and review my skills to identify areas for continued improvement. I even started an AllStar team this year to add to my time on the mat and we are registered for our first competition in a couple weeks. My music, singing and performances are hobbies I practice and share regularly. I love to dance and to perform songs and to star in school theater. I practice my flute daily and perform at concerts regularly. I just finished auditioning for and receiving a lead role again in the coming spring murder mystery. Memorizing lines and rehearsing are a great way to enjoy myself and forget about the stress of daily life. I also enjoy making my own coffee and utilize a variety of recipes, beans, and techniques to find flavors that I enjoy. I’d love to turn this hobby into a job, but for now my extra time is devoted to scholarship applications and school work. Maybe someday in the future however, I will be able to turn this hobby into a way to produce some income. Swimming is another favorite pastime for me. When the season is right we have an above ground pool now at home. I like to lounge when I can. I also love diving and jumping and using the pool for cheer stunt practice also. My friends come over and we swim as much as possible in the summertime My hobbies give me a break from school work and my hardcore life goals. They keep me going and fuel me!

I plan to complete my education with minimum debt. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My experiences listening to my dad and living in his current world while visiting his past have helped shape my goals for my future. Additionally, when I learned my mother had been diagnosed with a rare form of fast growing breast cancer in June of 2020, my whole world changed. The safety and security I had before her diagnosis seemed to vanish. The fear of losing her and the support she offers me was terrifying. Now that her cancer is in remission, the fear of it returning remains and living with the treatment effects continues, but I can see how this experience has helped shape my future goals. I know I will treat my patients with much greater respect, having witnessed my mother’s medical professionals and their interventions when we were in a time of great need. I am grateful for my life experiences and how they shape my future goals. I will continue to keep myself open to learn from life.

I hope to complete my education with minimum debt. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. Through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This is how I will achieve success and leave a legacy.

I hope to complete my education with minimum debt. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. Through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This is my dream for my future.

I try to have the confidence and strength to stand up for myself and others when I need to. When girls on my cheer team were upset and humiliated by comments from a coach about our body shapes and sizes, I spoke up. It hurt that the coach told other girls that I shouldn’t wear a certain size of uniform because she thinks it doesn’t fit my body shape right. And it hurt when she told my friend that she could have been weighed as the heaviest cheerleader if they still allowed scales to be utilized. Adolescent girls are already struggling with self-esteem concerning body image. When comments like these are shared from who should be a respected leader it can hurt extremely badly. I met with the Athletic Director and arranged a meeting with the coach. The girls stood silent and were too scared of retaliation and fallout to share what they told me. Instead, it was just me alone to speak for us and demanded an end to the body shaming. Afterward some of the girls reached out to me and clearly appreciated what I did. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Speaking truth against a strong authority figure is absolutely terrifying. I'm extremely proud of myself and since then my friends treat me with even more respect and see me even more as a brave leader. And, oddly enough, the coach also seems to respect me more at this time. I am still afraid of potential retaliation in mat time and position but overcoming adversity with the support of my cheer team and friends is worth my speaking up.

Competitive cheerleading requires an exceptional amount of hard work and bravery. As a base for my stunt group, I take blows to the face on a daily basis while my flier learns a new stunt. I stop at NOTHING to save my flier from hitting the floor. I sacrifice myself during stunts and during tumbling. This sport is not for the weak. I push myself to the limit and it requires an extreme amount of bravery. I work my tail off to train and lift weights to make sure I’m in every round during competition season and am front and center leading my team to victory. I stay extra hours in the weight room. I hold extra practices at my house to ensure my stunt team is prepared and can hit every stunt without flaw. I have signed up for additional tumbling classes which I attend after 3 hour cheer practices, so that my team can earn the extra tumbling points to push us up to the top of our division. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. At every competition, I prepare myself mentally to be brave enough to step out in front of the audience, my coach, and my teammates in the front and center to lead our team. I throw back-tucks and handsprings that other girls are terrified to try. I am BRAVE.

I live my life trying to help others. I recently started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I’ve also completed some fundraising for our local VFW. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I have much gratitude for all I’m given in my life. I’m thankful everyday for my warm clean bed, access to food, amazing family support, and the gift of travel that I’ve been given. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when her hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. As difficult as this experience is, we know we were blessed with access to affordable modern treatment. I am thankful for this and can’t express enough gratitude for our circumstances and the opportunity to save my mom’s life. My entire outlook on life has been shaped by the incredible experiences I have been blessed with. My hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high will set myself up for success in my future. I’m not squandering my opportunities. I’ve seen what hardship and poverty can do to families and have been to places where children share beds and meals and don’t have access to medical interventions when needed. I’m going to become a pediatrician and help those in my community and as far reaching as possible to spread love and equality. I’ll greatly appreciate any scholarships that help me along the way.

I’m 16 years old. The meaning of my life right now is fun, friends, family, and the future. I’m blessed to have my basic needs met and more at home. I get to focus on broader meanings and opportunities. Hanging out with my friends and boyfriend and joining the family for the Christmas tree selection expedition are what I want to do this weekend, right after I smash some records at the cheer competition. Then my boyfriend is going to take my ice skating under the twinkling lights in an adorable neighboring town. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2020. When this happened, I did have to recognize that the safety of my everyday life has been allowing me to focus on fun and friends. Before my mom’s diagnosis, I didn’t have to worry about having a mother around for support. I didn’t have to worry about housing, food, and how I would survive emotionally if she were gone. I could focus on ice skating and cheerleading. It took this horrible diagnosis to make me realize that the true meaning of life is about family and loved ones. Without my mom as my backbone of support, I would not be able to have the other fun. The fear for her safety and what that could mean to my whole world really helped me step back and appreciate the deeper meaning of life. I love my mom and am so happy she’s fighting cancer and getting her health back. Having her in the stands at my cheer competitions is my true meaning of life now.

I'm a back-tuck crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! I play the flute, sing on stage, and love chameleons. I am the loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! Fun fact about me - I have a "toe-thumb" - who wants proportionate thumbs anyway?! I created and run Happy Head Wear (find me on FaceBook) to collect donations and distribute wigs, hats, and scarves for cancer patients experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy. I love making deliveries and giving back to others. I work hard to keep all A's. I am dually enrolled at a local community college to earn undergraduate credits while finishing high school. My studies take precedence over extracurriculars. I speak my mind and promote equality. My t-shirts, walls, car, and even water bottle all proudly tote EQUALITY messages. I’m not a sheep and I stand up for others when needed. I will major in pre-medicine for undergrad years and do not plan to take any student loans. I will work hard on scholarships and take a job if I have to because my financial goals are important to me. I hope to save during undergrad years and invest so that I can do my best to avoid debt in medical school as well. I plan to become a Pediatrician and have my own practice. My family is my foundation. We travel together and show our appreciation for one another. I cherish the opportunity to meet new people and see other cultures. I'm going to be student-debt free and give back to the community as a Pediatrician. In my spare time I will continue one of my favorite pastimes and perform and watch live theater. My family is involved in several community and educational theater programs. We’ve done everything from perform, sing, build sets, direct, orchestra, lighting, acoustics, and costumes. Because of my love for theater and extensive experiences with productions, I KNOW that science and technology are a perfect match with the performance arts. Theater is a beautiful combination of STEM and art. Performance arts offer opportunities for individuals to express their uniqueness while partnering with science and technology to maximize the impact. The ancient Greeks were some of the first to recognize the benefits of acoustics and sound-effects to enhance theater. They identified hard surfaces as a preferred stage for projecting sound farther into the audience. The theater at Epidaurus in Greece was designed with amazing acoustical abilities. As many as 14,000 audience members could take in and hear the performance and only recently were scientists able to explain the phenomenon. The limestone used as seats reduced the lower toned background chatter, allowing the full performance to be appreciated by all in attendance. Today, modern applications of sound and acoustics are routinely applied in theaters. At my school drama club, we’re able to utilize small individual cordless microphones so that performers do not have to adjust their volume and can save their vocal chords. Microphones convert sound into electrical current. The microphones offer the ability to achieve full performance effects for the audience and allow actors to focus their attention on other effects without worry about acoustics and volume. Science and technology have come a long way to develop these subminiature sound projecting marvels! Saginaw Valley State University is one of the colleges I am considering for pre-medicine studies. Their performing arts program has a black box theater also designed with acoustic science in mind. These enclosed spaces cause significant reverberation of sound thus requiring special modifications. Heavy curtains and wall diffuser panels can help reduce the reverb. Evaluation of HVAC systems and duct work is necessary to eliminate further background noise. As a science and theater student, my knowledge of and appreciation for the coexistence of STEM and art will benefit me in both arenas. I feel fortunate to have interest in both of these fields so that I do not isolate my experiences to one area or the other. Science, technology, and art are paired and at work in my favorite daily activities. I say full STEAM ahead to my future!

EQUALITY is literally plastered all over my stuff - my shirts, my car bumper sticker, my water bottle stickers, and my bedroom walls. I talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to equality. Recently I stepped into a social media conversation when a gay girl was being harassed by a boy from her school because of her sexuality. I intervened and after a couple straight forward comments the bully stopped responding and the girl messaged me privately to let me know she appreciated my help. Similarly in terms of gender discrimination my school started enforcing their archaic and gender biased dress code. The dress code is derogatory toward girls and promotes body shaming along with a rape culture. Teachers were removing girls from class and telling them that they are a distraction. I would find girls crying in the bathroom on a weekly basis. My personal body shape and size drew some attention and my learning was also interrupted so that I could be “warned” that wearing the same shirt other girls were wearing was a “distraction” to the boys at school and I wouldn’t be allowed back in wearing it again. To combat this toxic culture, a group of us collaborated and brainstormed and supported each other to develop a plan of action. We made shirts and organized a protest and we went to the Board of Education. Things improved some and the girls felt supported. The feeling of camaraderie against adversity and toxicity are the best medicine. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face, I make it my job to do just that. I don’t tolerate others being left out when I’m in the room. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

My favorite book is Gone With the Wind. I love this book (and movie) because of the lead character, Scarlett O'Hara. While being the heroine of the story, she also portrays some undesirable characteristics. She is able to grasp your attention and get you to root for her from the beginning, despite her consuming selfishness. She fights for what she wants. Scarlett begins her story with her desire to marry one specific man. She is focused on this goal and is not aware of the larger world changing circumstances which surround her. While oblivious to the coming war and the true hardships faced by many of those in her southern world, her story remains compelling as we watch her struggle to survive and keep appearances. I enjoy this book because of Scarlett's ability to make giant mistakes, demonstrate great selfishness, and still keep us pulling for her. For me, the story is about being human. We can make mistakes, be blinded by petty and ridiculous things, and still demonstrate a strength and qualities that make us redeemable.

In June of 2020 when my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. My family cried a lot. We laughed a lot also. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. I had to be strong during her hospitalizations when I was not allowed to visit because of the pandemic. I learned how to show my love in different ways to support her. My cheer team wore pink, made posters, and we sent pictures to cheer her up. I shaved her head when her hair started to fall out from chemotherapy. One day I set up a wig and prosthetic beauty salon in the living room and we giggled through some ridiculous looks. I even dressed my step-brother with a long blonde wig and D cup breast prosthetics which helped the whole family laugh and reduce the tension from her illness. As the aspiring medical professional in the family, I give her the prescribed monthly injections required even though it’s hard for me to see her sick. I do more housework so she can rest. She relies on me to style her new hair as it goes through some difficult phases while growing back. I break out the flat iron, barrettes, and add some hairspray until we find a workable style. She models fashion styles for my review with and without prosthetics as we work to make her feel more like her pre-cancer self. While I show love to others in my life as well, my mom needs it most right now and I give her an extra dose when I can.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL become successful and become Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact. This is all the motivation I need!!

The past 2 years have offered me personal epiphanies and growth as an individual. Things that have brought me small joys in the past are still boosting and make me smile but I’ve learned that true joy comes from the everyday and presence of my loved ones. A long warm bath brings me peace. Nailing the back handspring during a cheer competition gives me a rush of pride and accomplishment. The perfectly concocted spiced chai tea makes me smile and feel spoiled. But all of these things are nothing compared to what I’ve learned recently. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, I was home to help care for her, and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed and cried and over-came. The thrill of a perfect cheer round still pumps me up but seeing my mom and family in the bleachers watching is where I now find true joy.

I'm a back-tuck crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! My best skills include playing flute, singing on stage, keeping good grades, and competitive cheerleading. I am the BOLD, loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! I love to spread positivity. I set my goals and achieve them - even if it means a shattered pinkie finger from a failed back-tuck with full surgery and recovery. I work hard to keep all A's. I study and monitor my grades closely to make sure I'm reaching my goals. I've started dual enrollment and am taking college level math classes. It was intimidating at first, but now I'm very comfortable and achieving great scores. Even when things are scary at first, like a new higher level math class, I've learned that I have to keep trying! While I'm not always confident and it takes practice in various situations to gain confidence, I AM confident as an intelligent young human being. No questions are dumb. If I find myself in a new situation and I need to gain experience and confidence, I watch, listen, and learn - and before you know it, I'm leading the way again.

There is not just one song that I could choose which inspires me MOST. It truly depends on the day and mood I am in and the situations I’m facing. I’ve thought long and hard about this and I can not possibly pick just one. In fact, I have entire playlists prepared for all my various moods and situations! I will try to give an example of the ONE song that is MOST inspirational to me in particular situations. Music is emotional and designed to fit the moment. We couldn’t use the same soundtrack for every movie, right? We need different songs for different occasions. Morning Wake Up: "Brave" by Sara Bareilles - for obvious reasons this song helps get me going and prepare to confidently face the world Preparing for Cheer Competition: All I Do Is Win: DJ Khaled - because my team always brings it!! Angry at Someone: "Bury A Friend" by Billie Eilish - which no matter how you choose to interpret the song just makes me feel better to know someone else has felt this way before… Celebration Time: “Timber” by Pitbull - nobody can resist jumping during this jam!! Holiday: “Twelve Days of Christmas” by The Muppets - fiiiiiiiiiiive golllllden riiinnnngggss!! Ba da da da!!

I AM work hard, play hard. Happiness is knowing I gave my all during each day. This allows me to fully appreciate and enjoy some downtime like a nice long bath. Almost every night, and even twice on Saturdays, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. When I need a bonus relax moment, I add a perfectly concocted spiced chai tea to bath time. During the days I’m in class, online studying for my dual enrollment courses, at cheer practice, headed to theater practice, studying for the SATs, and applying for scholarships. I LOVE all of these activities and am so happy to be able to participate in them all. In fact, I wish there were more time in a day so I can fit in tumbling, choir, and baking. Every night I fall into bed. I make sure I have soft pillows and blankets and a warm bed to climb into. I have an electric blanket to turn on for particularly cold nights. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and happiness for me as well.

Be kind, always. If I had one sentence to share with the world, this is it: Be kind, always. Our day to day interactions with others are ultimately the best indicator for our quality of life. Humans are social beings. We need others. As much as we wish what others thought of us did not matter, it does. We all care about the opinions of others. I value my life and my relationships. I enjoy many other things and some alone time as well. But when seeking a legacy and a meaning for my life, it is about others. So many others mean the world to me, and I hope, in turn, I mean something to them as well. This includes those I’m close with daily, mom, siblings, grandma, friends, and teammates. This also includes the strangers I encounter daily at the grocery store, in line at the library, and on the road as we drive past each other. A smile and friendly look can make someone’s day. To be kind is the wisdom I would want to share with the world.

I am a back-tuck-crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! I play the flute, sing on stage, and love chameleons. I am the BOLD, loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! I love to spread positivity. I set my goals and achieve them. Fun fact about me - I have a "toe-thumb" - who wants proportionate thumbs anyway?! I work hard to keep all A's. I study and monitor my grades closely to make sure I'm reaching my goals. I've started dual enrollment and am taking college level math classes. It was intimidating at first, but now I'm very comfortable and achieving great scores. I speak my mind and promote equality. My t-shirts, walls, car, and even water bottle all proudly tote EQUALITY messages. I work daily to ensure all others are included in any activity I'm involved with. I am a leader and I stand up for others. My friends know I am here for them and they come to me for help. While I'm not always confident and it takes practice in various situations to gain confidence, I AM confident as an intelligent young human being. No questions are dumb. If I find myself in a new situation and I need to gain experience and confidence, I watch, listen, and learn - and before you know it, I'm leading the way again.

I hope to complete my education with minimum debt. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. Through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This will be my legacy

I live my life trying to help others. I recently started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I’ve also completed some fundraising for our local VFW. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

The past 2 years have offered me personal epiphanies, growth as an individual, cultivation of my relationships, and expanded my future aspirations. In March 2020 my family made difficult decisions in an effort to keep us all safe. I was sent away from home while my mom had to continue her front line job duties while exposing herself to the virus. She would come visit me and sit at the end of the driveway while we would “social distance” and catch up on our day. I missed her and I was scared. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, I came home to help care for her, and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. As the pandemic continues and we function with a little less fear in our new “norm” with face masks and social distancing, my mother is cancer free at this time and I’ve overcome and survived the unknown of Covid-19 and Cancer. Pushing through these hardships has offered me incredible insight and further dedication to my goal of becoming a doctor to help others when they’re in need. I have persevered and I will continue to do so.

The Chicago Picasso is one of the first sculptures I had ever seen by a famous artist. During a tour of Chicago when I was younger, we spent more than an hour playing on the sculpture. We had the absolute best time climbing and sliding back down. I doubt this was Pablo Picasso’s plan for his art, but I do like to think that maybe it was. Interactive art is far more interesting to children and it becomes more than just an object to look at. We get to become part of the art and it can take on a whole new meaning. A little research on the sculpture can give the cubist background and of course there is much to read about Pablo Picasso if you want to speculate further on the meaning of this piece. Picasso acknowledged that the face of the sculpture was inspired by his hound dog. I personally find it more baboon-like while also perceiving a feeling of grandness. I think it's as if a Pharaoh is looking out over the windy city and sending positivity out to the people. With the base offering a slide for children and the head radiating good vibes, this sculpture inspires me to stop and enjoy a moment of the day. It gives a spot to take a break from the fast pace and play. As a donation to the city from an incredible artist the Chicago Picasso gives the city opportunity to embrace art and others.

I have a dream: I’m wearing scrubs. Rubber gloves cover my hands and I can smell the sanitizer. The operating room is polished and sterile. The nurses are poised and watching me, waiting for direction. My patient is on the operating table and comfortably anesthetized. This is my first surgery. I’m nervous and proud to be here leading this team. Becoming a surgeon is my ultimate career goal. I have a lot of academia ahead of me while I first pursue an undergraduate degree rich with biology, chemistry, and human sciences. I will need to be well prepared to gain admission to medical school and lectures alone will not suffice. Physicians must have a good understanding of algebra and math skills for application during prescribing medications, knowledge of medical devices, and comprehension of the interactions of chemicals with molecules. Further, research and evidence based interventions are all built on a foundation of statistics. This is imperative knowledge for a doctor. In general anybody pursuing higher education will want a basic understanding of math skills because obtaining college degrees is expensive! In fact, math is what led me to apply for this scholarship today. Responsible students should complete their due diligence when comparing financial aid packages at their preferred universities and take any steps available toward finding funding for college. The difference between a state college and a private college could be more than $200,000 in student loans if one does not apply some math skills and effort. Adding up and comparing apples to apples when it comes to tuition, cost per credit hour, housing, and food all requires some attention to detail and accurate calculations. I am currently taking dual enrollment courses paid for by my high school at a local community college to reduce the cost of my undergraduate degree as well. Once I select a school to pursue my undergraduate study, I plan to become involved in research and would love to get published. This will require knowledge of algebra and statistics. Identifying measurable conclusions with statistical probability will require a solid foundation in math. If I can achieve some good research, maybe in disease since there is still so much to learn in this area, this could lead to a great medical school acceptance. So as you can see, without math, there is no medical school in my future! Also, without math we could lose all kinds of valuable research about medicine and disease. I’m not sure anyone in the world could function without a little math in their day to day. I know I will need it regularly as I continue to pursue my medical degree and for my clinical interventions. For the time being, I hope to work some math in my favor and win this scholarship so I can subtract the winnings from my first semester tuition!

I live my life trying to help others. I recently started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I’ve also completed some fundraising for our local VFW. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

I AM work hard, play hard. So it is necessary for me to build in routine downtime. My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a nice long bath. Almost every night, and even twice on Saturdays, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. When I need a bonus relax moment, I add a perfectly concocted spiced chai tea to bath time. A long afternoon in the hammock with my music playing next to me offers the perfect respite from my normally busy life. Unfortunately, living in Michigan, this option is not available all year long. The limited availability of the hammock time does make it seem even more special when I do have nice weather and access. Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows and blankets and a warm bed to climb into. I have an electric blanket to turn on for particularly cold nights. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and relaxation for me as well.

I live my life trying to help others. I recently started a program to collect and distribute headwear for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during chemotherapy. On my site, patients can donate their wigs, hats, and scarves when they’ve finished their treatment and are done with the items. This way new patients aren’t struggling to find something while already dealing with the painful diagnosis and treatment of chemotherapy. Find us at Happy Head Wear on facebook. I love making the connection and delivering items to those in need. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I’ve also completed some fundraising for our local VFW. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

“Listen to me when I’m talking to you!” is a classic maternal rant at their children. As we get older and become young adults we begin to understand why this is actually so important. We stop disregarding our parents (as much as we used to anyway) and begin to see the applications of listening. My father tells stories of his childhood in an effort to help me appreciate and understand the true value of all that I have. I have loving parents who are free from substance addiction and poverty. My mother tells stories of painful cancer treatments in an effort to get me to eat healthier and reduce the toxins in my environment. I am young and like my peers, I feel invincible and without need to worry about eating my vegetables. My grandma tells stories of sliding around on snowy roads in an effort to get me to drive safely but I feel like nothing can stop my vehicle’s path. As I gain my own life experience and apply these stories to the situations I encounter, I begin to realize that being a good listener is valuable. I can learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. My family is trying to help me progress in ways they did not or could not. I’m going to make sure my father sees my gratitude and my mother watches me eat spinach and kale. And I have slowed down behind the wheel and call my grandma when I arrive at my destination so she knows that I AM LISTENING and I understand her concern and love.

One of the biggest obstacles in my life so far happened in June of 2020 when my mother was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Life was already uncertain with the COVID-19 Pandemic underway. Leaders worldwide were issuing lockdown orders. Hospital services were limited and the surgery schedule was backed up for months making it impossible to schedule all of the surgeries recommended at the time. My family cried a lot. We laughed a lot also. My mother reviewed life insurance policies with me while I pushed her IV stand around the infusion center. She recorded videos for me to watch after she was gone. I had to be strong during her hospitalizations when I was not allowed to visit because of the pandemic. My cheer team wore pink, made posters, and we sent pictures to cheer her up. I shaved her head when her hair started to fall out from chemotherapy. One day I set up a wig and prosthetic beauty salon in the living room and we giggled through some ridiculous looks. I even dressed my step-brother with a long blonde wig and D cup breast prosthetics which helped the whole family laugh and reduce the tension from her illness. As the aspiring medical professional in the family, I give her the prescribed monthly injections required even though it’s hard for me to see her sick. She relies on me to style her new hair as it goes through some difficult phases while growing back. I encourage my mom to keep fighting and to move forward from the changes she faces from cancer. I also have to remind myself that she’s strong and so am I and together we’ve managed this horrendous obstacle.

Eat your vegetables! This age-old piece of advice remains the number one best thing you can do to stay healthy. Dr. Greger’s book, How Not to Die, he and his team review the most current evidence based research on nutritional health. To summarize all of their findings, nothing beats your veggies! Just like grandma told you… Beans, fruits, and seeds are also incredibly nutritious and should be a part of a healthy diet intended to prolong one’s life. Reduction or elimination of animal products is also recommended for longevity when examining the hard facts. This proves difficult for me, personally, but I try to do the best I can by adding more plant based foods on a daily basis. Cardio exercise is also good with a daily dose of 40 minutes of heart pumping movement everyday advised for best practices. I often try to fit in some dedicated exercise time, and if I don’t meet the full 40 minutes all at once in the morning or evening workout, I will add a walk in later with the dog or with my mom (or both).

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. I WILL become successful and become Dr. Jozlyn Childs with as little debt as possible. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact.

Competitive cheerleading requires an exceptional amount of hard work and drive. As a base for my stunt group, I take blows to the face on a daily basis while my flier learns a new stunt. I stop at NOTHING to save my flier from hitting the floor. I sacrifice myself during stunts and during tumbling. This sport is not for the weak. I push myself to the limit. I want to make it to State Level Competition this year, this is my goal. I work my tail off to train and lift weights to make sure I’m in every round during competition season and am front and center leading my team to victory. I stay extra hours in the weight room. I hold extra practices at my house to ensure my stunt team is prepared and can hit every stunt. I signed up for additional tumbling classes which I attend after 3 hour cheer practices, so that my team can earn extra tumbling points to push us up to the top of our division. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. I push myself to the limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. At every competition, I prepare myself to step out in front of the audience, my coach, and my teammates in the front and center to lead our team. I throw back-tucks and handsprings that other girls are terrified to try. I am DRIVEN. States, here I come!

I am passionate about helping others, being a leader, and advocating for equality. I’m no sheep. I stand up for what is right and I do it loudly, sometimes against significant adversity and potential retaliation. Even when it’s terrifying to speak against those in positions of power above me, I’ve had to stick to my values and passion and speak up for what is right. At my school this year female students noticed a gender biased discrepancy in our dress code and the practice of enforcing it. I helped organize a protest with tshirts designed to say “My body is not a distraction!” and we presented at the Board of Education meeting. Also, when our cheer coach was offering disparaging and body shaming remarks to teammates about their body sizes and how they should look in their uniforms, I spoke with her privately. I went on to discuss with the Athletic Director and spoke for our team against this. Despite my significant fear of fallout, I stood up for myself and my friends and saw my passion of helping others all the way to the end.

My friends and I are very serious about winning competitive cheerleading meets and making it to the State championship this year. We work extremely hard and there are a lot of tears and sweat coming out of each practice. We don’t like to lose so we push ourselves to the limit physically and often emotionally while forming together as a team and trying to bond with many different types of personalities. While we do recognize the need for this hard work, we also know how to let loose and not take ourselves too seriously all the time. Everybody needs a mental brain break on occasion! We use TikTok and make funny dances and laugh at ourselves a lot. We take silly pictures and crack jokes about ourselves a lot. This picture is of a few of us at practice cutting loose and taking some selfie action shots. We like to get some height, make funny faces, and just get the giggles out before practice sometimes. I wrote a funny rhyme today to go with our pre-practice laughing session: Ode to Cheer Fails When your lipstick is smeared And your ankle is taped You know you worked hard And you’re ready for States Watch the video now To pick out the flaws Zoom in on your face And then I moan owwwww Grandma says WOW But I look completely crazed Mouth open wide Who invented still frames?! My jump got up high But my skirt did too! I wish my shorts covered more Good grief what a crew For all the cheer girls out there Who brave the show floor Be bold, take risks, and prepare to ignore All the animated faces and so much more Keep your bow and head high Clap, yell with pride! Don’t fear the falls Don’t mind the shots We’re in this together Our whole crazy lot My team enjoys my sense of humor and I hope to be Captain next year when I’m a senior. Until then I will keep cracking jokes, taking funny pictures, singing at the top of my lungs on the bus, and recording TikTok videos of the whole team to make sure we apply some fun when needed. Our coach usually approves of this as long as we get the job done when it’s time. I also hosted a few parties for team building so we could all cut loose and we had some fun playing games and getting out of the gym.

I am going to be a doctor. I will study biology and chemistry and become a scientist while learning how to apply all of this to the study of human health. Technology in health services is ever evolving and I am very excited to be a part of new technology in medical interventions. Use of robotics for precision surgery has already allowed for patients to have significantly reduced recovery time and improved these procedures. In fact, my grandfather was the first patient at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, Michigan to have a da vinci Robot surgery for removal of his prostate cancer. Since then, use of this technology has been used on more than another 7,100 patients! I’ve been reviewing another new medical technology for building bones using plastics that can produce improved elasticity and dramatically improve the process for reconstruction. The use of this technology offers hope to patients where there was none. This technology utilizes 3D printers for the benefit of medical patients. Another up and coming medical technology that I am excited for includes a “Smart Bandage”. Patients with open wounds can be treated with a smart bandage that will monitor live stats including moisture and need for replacing. This can reduce the amount of interventions required and ultimately the recovery time. In 2020 with the global pandemic causing a need for social distancing, the technology of virtual patient visits became invaluable. What a remarkable ability! The practitioner's ability to assess the patient from afar thus offering safe delivery of necessary interventions! Technology will continue to advance health sciences and improve patient care. I consider myself lucky to be on the forefront of the most current technological advances. I’m certain there are many more than I’m aware of and I can’t wait to be a part of the growth.

I live in a rural area in mid-Michigan. There are a lot of large farms growing sugar beets, corn, beans, and various other produce to be sold commercially. Sometimes farmers will also have a road-side stand and offer fresh locally grown produce but these are not necessarily organic. My grandparents live next door and have always planted a small garden that we all have access to. Every summer we have pesticide free tomatoes, peppers, and squash that I help plant, water, and harvest. Each spring I help my grandma add fresh topsoil to the tiered garden area. We use the tiers to help keep the rabbits away from the vegetables. We plant marigolds on the bottom row to try to deter the pests as well. I help my grandma water the garden in the evenings with a hose. We pick out weeds and keep it looking nice. Once the tomatoes start to grow it is hard to keep up with the production and we give away a lot of tomatoes usually. My mother was diagnosed with cancer in June of 2020. When this happened, our household wanted to become even more toxin free. We’re experimenting with container gardens but last summer we over-watered and this summer when we came back from vacation the plants were dried out and dead. We had to rely on grandma’s garden area again and weren’t able to provide much from our house next door yet. We grow broccoli sprouts in a mason jar regularly which are full of antioxidants and nutrients. These have anti-cancer properties and are easy to toss onto salads and other dishes. They grow in a dark cabinet in the jar and we just have to rinse them twice a day. It only takes about a week for the seeds to fully mature and we continue the rotation to ensure this superfood is always available to us. We just purchase the seeds on Amazon so the whole process of keeping such fresh and healthy home-grown veggies is very simple. The only problem we’ve had is that once a particular bag of seeds did not seem to grow at all. We were able to contact the seed seller and received a new and functioning bag of seeds pretty quickly. Both my mother and grandmother’s households have purchased AeroGardens. These allow us to purchase special pods that go into the water moving system and grow our own chili peppers, cilantro, oregano, basil, and mint. There is a bright light that automatically comes on and off. This system is great for year round fresh toxin free herbs. It can take a few weeks to get certain pods growing, but once they take off, it’s hard to use the harvest fast enough. We’ve had some amazing pasta sauces and knowing the fresh health benefits that we’re growing ourselves is really satisfying. I plan to continue learning and trying more gardening to improve my health and to have a positive impact on our environment.

My mom listens to Dave Ramsey religiously. Despite the tempting get rich quick investing strategies that some people might want to try, I'm going to save slowly and build wealth with good mutual funds. Investing 15% of my earnings into mutual funds when I'm debt free so that I can retire securely and do what I want to in the future. The market averages 10% return and even with some fluctuation, this should produce more than a million dollars for my retirement. Hopefully I will continue to have a good paying job and receive raises over the years and I will succeed. I think a wise investment in a trusted and stable mutual fund is better than trying to gamble with single stocks and unknown entities. I would rather be the tortoise and go slow and stead to win the investing race, rather than all my eggs in one basket.

Education with minimum debt does not represent shopping sprees and luxury items for me. Financial freedom represents freedom from stress, pressure, and burden. Education with financial freedom comes with increased choices and ability to do more good in my life and that of others. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This will be my legacy. My motivation to achieve my education with financial freedom encompasses my life experiences, my own personality, and my desire to be fiscally and morally responsible with all the blessings I have been given. I am fortunate enough to have the education and ability to write scholarship applications. I’m self-aware and knowledgeable enough to identify my need for help to obtain financial freedom in my pursuit of higher education. And whether I’m well-spoken enough and the right fit for this amazing scholarship opportunity, I WILL achieve my goal. I am resolved to complete undergraduate and medical schools debt free. Consider me for your scholarship and know that I will carry on your work and utilize the funds wisely and responsibly.

I have several hobbies I enjoy on a regular basis. My fingernails are a daily work of art. I change the design, length, and shape sometimes more than once a day. I love the colors and options and typically do each hand completely differently. I design all of my own work and often seek ideas out on social media and then apply with my own style. Cheerleading and gymnastics are another one of my favorite pastimes!! I work HARD at constantly improving my stunts, jumps, and tumbling skills. I do extra workouts, take extra classes, and record and review my skills to identify areas for continued improvement. I even started an AllStar team this year to add to my time on the mat and we are registered for our first competition in a couple weeks. My music, singing and performances are hobbies I practice and share regularly. I love to dance and to perform songs and to star in school theater. I practice my flute daily and perform at concerts regularly. I just finished auditioning for and receiving a lead role again in the coming spring murder mystery. Memorizing lines and rehearsing are a great way to enjoy myself and forget about the stress of daily life. I also enjoy making my own coffee and utilize a variety of recipes, beans, and techniques to find flavors that I enjoy. I’d love to turn this hobby into a job, but for now my extra time is devoted to scholarship applications and school work. Maybe someday in the future however, I will be able to turn this hobby into a way to produce some income. Swimming is another favorite pastime for me. When the season is right we have an above ground pool now at home. I like to lounge when I can. I also love diving and jumping and using the pool for cheer stunt practice also. My friends come over and we swim as much as possible in the summertime I truly enjoy all of my hobbies and am glad they give me a break from school work.

I have 3 younger siblings who are currently ages 3, 5, and 8. I’ve helped care for them since they were born. I change diapers, give baths, cook meals, and do bedtimes. I babysit weekly and am one of their regular caregivers. This requires an incredible amount of patience. The kids are loud, crazy, and wild. The boys swing swords, shoot play guns, and chuck toys at my head fairly regularly. My sister likes dance and gymnastics and flings herself around the house with the music blasting. They often do not get along with each other and constantly want my undivided attention. The ability to tolerate and manage these kids has offered me a lot of practice with patience. I can deal with other people in a more calm manner because of the time I spend with the kids. I think this will help me in my college career and professional career for the rest of my life.

I try to take advantage of all opportunities presented to me. Keeping an open mind and exploring a wide breadth of activities and educational subjects is how I keep my mindset open for growth. I’m open to learning from other people to find new interests and information for myself. For example, when my school offered an opportunity to be a student board of education member, I explored this to learn what it was about so that I could decide if I wanted to apply. I talked to the current board student and another board of education member. I reviewed the application and discussed it with my advisor. Another example is when students at my school were offered a chance to donate blood. I wanted to see what it was about and researched and then signed up. In class, when opportunities to volunteer are offered, I sign up so I can learn more. When the yearbook teacher asked for students to attend and take photos at events, I volunteered and learned first hand what each event was like and how I could participate further.

I AM work hard, play hard. So it is necessary for me to build in routine downtime. My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a nice long bath. Almost every night, and even twice on Saturdays, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. When I need a bonus relax moment, I add a perfectly concocted spiced chai tea to bath time. A long afternoon in the hammock with my music playing next to me offers the perfect respite from my normally busy life. Unfortunately, living in Michigan, this option is not available all year long. The limited availability of the hammock time does make it seem even more special when I do have nice weather and access. Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows and blankets and a warm bed to climb into. I have an electric blanket to turn on for particularly cold nights. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and relaxation for me as well.

I have always had close friends. While some come and go a little more than others, there are always the best friends who will be there for me. I would be lost without them. I know I can call Cadence, Sarah, and Laina at any time and they will respond and help me with any problem. They also know that I am there for them. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I called Cadence to help me figure out how to be strong. I could cry to Sarah to hide it from my mom so I could be upbeat and positive when trying to help her. Laina brought me snacks and played me some funny tiktok videos to keep my mood up. It feels good to know they have my back. When Cadence’s mom and boyfriend had a fight and the police were called, she knew she could come to my house to get out of that situation. Sarah stops by anytime and even has the code to our door and lets herself in. My family loves my friends and there is an open door policy. My friends are part of the family and even have their pictures on our refrigerator.

I'm a back-tuck crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! I play the flute, sing on stage, and love chameleons. I work hard to keep all A's. I speak my mind and promote equality. I am the BOLD, loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! Fun fact about me - I have a "toe-thumb" - who wants proportionate thumbs anyway?!

In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, and being home due to COVID allowed me to help care for her. We spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed at the prosthetic breasts the insurance company sent her and wore them as hats at dinner. I watched my mom’s cues to determine my own responses and show her my love. Sometimes she preferred laughter while other times I had to read the room and know that it was time to let the tears flow. I think the best way to help others is to be self-aware and monitor their current needs at that moment. We can’t fix everything. Sometimes we just have to be present and display empathy. When I look back at the times I was able to most help my mom survive her diagnosis and treatment, I think displaying empathy was the most important. Someday when I am a doctor, I will be able to use this experience with empathy to help my patients as well.

My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. Without the burden of student loan debt and a medical degree in my hand, I can start a practice and focus on larger community issues. Free from piles of bills and debt collectors, I can look beyond my own household. Knowing my family is taken care of will allow me the freedom of options in philanthropy and my local community. I can give my time and energy and wealth in ways that can offer the same freedom to others. This will be my legacy. My motivation to achieve financial freedom encompasses my life experiences, my own personality, and my desire to be fiscally and morally responsible with all the blessings I have been given. I am fortunate enough to have the education and ability to write scholarship applications. I’m self-aware and knowledgeable enough to identify my need for help to obtain financial freedom in my pursuit of higher education. And whether I’m well-spoken enough and the right fit for this amazing scholarship opportunity, I WILL achieve my goal. I am resolved to complete undergraduate and medical schools debt free. Consider me for your scholarship and know that I will carry on your work and utilize the funds wisely and responsibly.

In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, and being home due to COVID allowed me to help care for her. We spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed at the prosthetic breasts the insurance company sent her and wore them as hats at dinner. I watched my mom’s cues to determine my own responses and show her my love. Sometimes she preferred laughter while other times I had to read the room and know that it was time to let the tears flow. I think the best way to help others is to be self-aware and monitor their current needs at that moment. We can’t fix everything. Sometimes we just have to be present. When I look back at the times I was able to most help my mom survive her diagnosis and treatment, I can see actions I could have improved upon, but overall I’m very happy I was there for her and it’s made a big impact on our current relationship. I feel better prepared for life and my future. I will be better able to help my own patients in the future because of this experience.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL become successful and become Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact.

I have several hobbies I enjoy on a regular basis. My fingernails are a daily work of art. I change the design, length, and shape sometimes more than once a day. I love the colors and options and typically do each hand completely differently. I design all of my own work and often seek ideas out on social media and then apply with my own style. Cheerleading and gymnastics are another one of my favorite pastimes!! I work HARD at constantly improving my stunts, jumps, and tumbling skills. I do extra workouts, take extra classes, and record and review my skills to identify areas for continued improvement. My music, singing and performances are hobbies I practice and share regularly. I love to dance and to perform songs and to star in school theater. I practice my flute daily and perform at concerts regularly. I also enjoy making my own coffee and utilize a variety of recipes, beans, and techniques to find flavors that I enjoy. I’d love to turn this hobby into a job, but for now my extra time is devoted to scholarship applications and school work. Maybe someday in the future however, I will be able to turn this hobby into a way to produce some income.

When it comes to studying, I have a few go-to techniques I utilize. Depending on the type of information I am studying, I might use flash cards. I often take notes and read or re-write to summarize these which can help me remember the information better. Color coding the information on the flash cards and in notes is also helpful because I am a visual learner. When there is a lot of information that includes terms and items to memorize, I will ask someone to quiz me with the flash cards I made. I’ve also utilized acronyms to help me remember information. When preparing for a band test, I like to review the acronyms I keep jotted on my folder for reading sheet music like: Every Good Boy Does Fine and All Cows Eat Grass for the notes. Sometimes I make my own acronyms also when studying other subjects like math and chemistry. Recently in my Medical Terminology class a new technique to apply a funny visual that starts with the same letter to help us remember each term was applied. This did help me in some of the situations so I might try this again in other subjects in the future. For example, if the term is “hypertension”, the teacher might ask us to envision the beginning of the word - “HYPER” - and imagine a group of hyper children jumping up. This would help us remember that HYPERtension is HIGH blood pressure (as opposed to low).

I have faced adversity from adults in leadership roles and particularly on my cheer team. I try to have the confidence and strength to stand up for myself and others when I need to. Ultimately, the support and help of my team provides just what I need to keep pushing through despite the fear of retaliation. Humans need this. We need to belong and feel supported. A small gesture and reaching out to someone can go a long way. When girls on my cheer team were upset and humiliated by comments from a coach about our body shapes and sizes, I spoke up. It hurt that the coach told other girls that I shouldn’t wear a certain size of uniform because she thinks it doesn’t fit my body shape right. And it hurt when she told my friend that she could have been weighed as the heaviest cheerleader if they still allowed scales to be utilized. Adolescent girls are already struggling with self-esteem concerning body image. When comments like these are shared from who should be a respected leader it can hurt extremely bad. I met with the Athletic Director and arranged a meeting with the coach. The girls stood silent and were too scared of retaliation and fallout to share what they told me. Instead, it was just me alone to speak for us and demanded an end to the body shaming. Afterward some of the girls reached out to me and clearly appreciated what I did. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Speaking truth against a strong authority figure is absolutely terrifying. I'm extremely proud of myself and since then my friends treat me with even more respect and see me even more as a brave leader. And, oddly enough, the coach also seems to respect me more at this time. I am still afraid of potential retaliation in mat time and position but overcoming adversity with the support of my cheer team and friends is worth my speaking up. Similarly in terms of gender discrimination my school started enforcing their archaic and gender biased dress code. The dress code is derogatory toward girls and promotes body shaming along with a rape culture. Teachers were removing girls from class and telling them that they are a distraction. I would find girls crying in the bathroom on a weekly basis. My personal body shape and size drew some attention and my learning was also interrupted so that I could be “warned” that wearing the same shirt other girls were wearing was a “distraction” to the boys at school and I wouldn’t be allowed back in wearing it again. To combat this toxic culture, a group of us collaborated and brainstormed and supported each other to develop a plan of action. We made shirts and organized a protest and we went to the Board of Education. Things improved some and the girls felt supported. The feeling of camaraderie against adversity and toxicity are the best medicine. Healing and overcoming of stress and bias are most possible with a little help from our friends and family.

Talent and Hard-work 1. Environmental Expression: I hone my creativity talent by practicing my design arts regularly. The fabulous decor of my bedroom, starting at the entrance door which is covered in my favorite equality and feminist images which I hand drew and painted. All the way up the stairs and covering the walls are photos and paintings and flags and fliers of my favorite people and sayings and values. Overhead on the ceiling dips strands of leaves all the way down the center of the vaulted ceiling to my succulent collection on the shelves. Lighting installed around the edge of my room also sets the ambiance and is a part of the creative and unique environment I’ve created. 2. My fingernails are a daily work of art. I change the design, length, and shape sometimes more than once a day. I love the colors and options and typically do each hand completely differently. I design all of my own work and often seek ideas out on social media and then apply with my own style. 3. Cheer!! I work HARD at constantly improving my stunts, jumps, and tumbling skills. I do extra workouts, take extra classes, and record and review my skills to identify areas for continued improvement. 4. My music and singing and performances are talents I practice and share regularly. I love to dance and to perform songs and to star in school theater. I practice my flute daily and perform at concerts regularly. 5. School work. My grades are straight A’s and while I have some educational talent, this requires daily effort and hard work to achieve.

I try to have the confidence and strength to stand up for myself and others when I need to. When girls on my cheer team were upset and humiliated by comments from a coach about our body shapes and sizes, I spoke up. It hurt that the coach told other girls that I shouldn’t wear a certain size of uniform because she thinks it doesn’t fit my body shape right. And it hurt when she told my friend that she could have been weighed as the heaviest cheerleader if they still allowed scales to be utilized. Adolescent girls are already struggling with self-esteem concerning body image. When comments like these are shared from who should be a respected leader it can hurt extremely badly. I met with the Athletic Director and arranged a meeting with the coach. The girls stood silent and were too scared of retaliation and fallout to share what they told me. Instead, it was just me alone to speak for us and demanded an end to the body shaming. Afterward some of the girls reached out to me and clearly appreciated what I did. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Speaking truth against a strong authority figure is absolutely terrifying. I'm extremely proud of myself and since then my friends treat me with even more respect and see me even more as a brave leader. And, oddly enough, the coach also seems to respect me more at this time. I am still afraid of potential retaliation in mat time and position but overcoming adversity with the support of my cheer team and friends is worth my speaking up.

I try to have the confidence and strength to stand up for myself and others when I need to. When girls on my cheer team were upset and humiliated by comments from a coach about our body shapes and sizes, I spoke up. It hurt that the coach told other girls that I shouldn’t wear a certain size of uniform because she thinks it doesn’t fit my body shape right. And it hurt when she told my friend that she could have been weighed as the heaviest cheerleader if they still allowed scales to be utilized. Adolescent girls are already struggling with self-esteem concerning body image. When comments like these are shared from who should be a respected leader it can hurt extremely badly. I met with the Athletic Director and arranged a meeting with the coach. The girls stood silent and were too scared of retaliation and fallout to share what they told me. Instead, it was just me alone to speak for us and demanded an end to the body shaming. Afterward some of the girls reached out to me and clearly appreciated what I did. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Speaking truth against a strong authority figure is absolutely terrifying. I'm extremely proud of myself and since then my friends treat me with even more respect and see me even more as a brave leader. And, oddly enough, the coach also seems to respect me more at this time. I am still afraid of potential retaliation in mat time and position but overcoming adversity with the support of my cheer team and friends is worth my speaking up.

EQUALITY is literally plastered all over my stuff - my tshirts, my car bumper sticker, my water bottle stickers, and my bedroom walls. I talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to equality. Recently I stepped into a social media conversation when a gay girl was being harassed by a boy from her school because of her sexuality. I intervened and after a couple straight forward comments the bully stopped responding and the girl messaged me privately to let me know she appreciated my help. Similarly in terms of gender discrimination my school started enforcing their archaic and gender biased dress code. The dress code is derogatory toward girls and promotes body shaming along with a rape culture. Teachers were removing girls from class and telling them that they are a distraction. I would find girls crying in the bathroom on a weekly basis. My personal body shape and size drew some attention and my learning was also interrupted so that I could be “warned” that wearing the same shirt other girls were wearing was a “distraction” to the boys at school and I wouldn’t be allowed back in wearing it again. To combat this toxic culture, a group of us collaborated and brainstormed and supported each other to develop a plan of action. We made shirts and organized a protest and we went to the Board of Education. Things improved some and the girls felt supported. The feeling of camaraderie against adversity and toxicity are the best medicine. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I do just that. I don’t tolerate others being left out when I’m in the room. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

How do I apply creativity in my life? Let me count the ways… The fabulous decor of my bedroom, starting at the entrance door which is covered in my favorite equality and feminist images which I hand drew and painted. All the way up the stairs and covering the walls are photos and paintings and flags and fliers of my favorite people and sayings and values. Overhead on the ceiling dips strands of leaves all the way down the center of the vaulted ceiling to my succulent collection on the shelves. Lighting installed around the edge of my room also sets the ambiance and is a part of the creative and unique environment I’ve created. My fingernails are a daily work of art. I change the design, length, and shape sometimes more than once a day. I love the colors and options and typically do each hand completely differently. I design all of my own work and often seek ideas out on social media and then apply with my own style. My Stuff! I work to find things that help express me as a creative individual. My stickers all over my water bottle all express my beliefs and creativity. My car is covered inside and out in creative expression. Even my keychain and my jewelry are all bold statements about me. My music and singing and performances are all creative expressions. I love to make up dances and to perform songs and to star in school theater. The use of dance and movement combined with music offer endless opportunities to express creativity. I am a beacon of creativity - picture me in my decked out car with my blinging nails and my proud stickered water bottle, blasting my favorite song while singing it at the top of my lungs.

I'm a back-tuck crushing competitive cheerleader who is going to be a DOCTOR! I play the flute, sing on stage, and love chameleons. I am the BOLD, loud, brave, confident cheerleader always in the front and center with the megaphone. My energy is contagious and I am the life of the party! I love to spread positivity. I set my goals and achieve them. Fun fact about me - I have a "toe-thumb" - who wants proportionate thumbs anyway?! I work hard to keep all A's. I study and monitor my grades closely to make sure I'm reaching my goals. I've started dual enrollment and am taking college level math classes. It was intimidating at first, but now I'm very comfortable and achieving great scores. I speak my mind and promote equality. My t-shirts, walls, car, and even water bottle all proudly tote EQUALITY messages. I work daily to ensure all others are included in any activity I'm involved with. I am a leader and I stand up for others. My friends know I am here for them and they come to me for help. While I'm not always confident and it takes practice in various situations to gain confidence, I AM confident as an intelligent young human being. No questions are dumb. If I find myself in a new situation and I need to gain experience and confidence, I watch, listen, and learn - and before you know it, I'm leading the way again.

I AM work hard, play hard. So it is necessary for me to build in routine downtime. My absolute go-to relaxation activity is a nice long bath. Almost every night, and even twice on Saturdays, I take a long bath and refresh the temperature with hot water to keep it welcoming and peaceful. When I need a bonus relax moment, I add a perfectly concocted spiced chai tea to bath time. A long afternoon in the hammock with my music playing next to me offers the perfect respite from my normally busy life. Unfortunately, living in Michigan, this option is not available all year long. The limited availability of the hammock time does make it seem even more special when I do have nice weather and access. Every night, I make sure I have soft pillows and blankets and a warm bed to climb into. I have an electric blanket to turn on for particularly cold nights. My soft pajamas and fresh clean sheets are worth the effort to maintain. I use my favorite scented candles, laundry detergent, bath soaps, and lotions so that all of these scents trigger a sense of calm and relaxation for me as well.

My Bucket List Attain front and center position in every competitive cheer round. Progress: 2 of 3 front/center positions so far Make First Team All State competitive cheer team. Progress: Made 1st Team All District last year See Northern Lights in Iceland. Progress: Trip was booked but cancelled due to COVID. Adopt a Chameleon. Progress: Quarterly requests and oral argument presented to my mother. Awaiting my own housing situation so I can get one. Bungee Jump off a bridge. Progress: Investigated nearest bridges with this offered. Discussed with friends to find someone to come with me. Failed to convince my mom to take me. Will succeed while in college. Be at every major event for my younger siblings. Progress: Kindergarten graduation - check! Every birthday - check! Become a Pediatrician, debt free. Progress: Applying for PreMed programs and scholarships. Open my own practice and provide free care for the underserved. Progress: I have a long way to go on this one! Begin a Foundation to give back to the community. Progress: I have even farther to go on this one! Teach medical students in clinical skills and bedside manner. Progress: I work to be kind and inclusive everyday and hope to pass this along to others regularly - whether as a formal leader/teacher or informal.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL achieve my goals of becoming Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact.

I love to participate in social activities and many of those take place outdoors. Without the great outdoors we couldn’t cheer at football games, rollerblade down the rail trail, or have a cannonball contest in the swimming pool. I like to invite my stunt team over and lay out the gym mats in the yard to practice our routine and continue our tumbling training. I love to step outside when nobody is around and sing at the top of my lungs. I also love to look up at the sky and see the incredible colors of the sunrise and sunset. Stargazing, rainbow chasing, and watching lightning storms are also some of my favorite outdoor activities. I also enjoy some quiet time and one of my favorite places to relax is the hammock in the backyard. I can chill there and watch the clouds while listening to music for hours. Protecting our environment so we can continue to enjoy nature is extremely important to me. I carefully recycle everything I can. I’ve replaced the disposable straws in our house with reusable ones. I’ve replaced plastic water bottles with reusable bottles as well. We also now shop with reusable grocery bags. Every small change can add up to big ones and I continue to learn more ways we can conserve and preserve nature.

The past 2 years have offered me personal epiphanies, growth as an individual, cultivation of my relationships, and expanded my future aspirations. In March 2020 my family made difficult decisions in an effort to keep us all safe. I was sent away from home while my mom had to continue her front line job duties while exposing herself to the virus. She would come visit me and sit at the end of the driveway while we would “social distance” and catch up on our day. I missed her and I was scared. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, I came home to help care for her, and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. As the pandemic continues and we function with a little less fear in our new “norm” with face masks and social distancing, my mother is cancer free at this time and I’ve overcome and survived the unknown of Covid-19 and Cancer. Pushing through these hardships has offered me incredible insight and further dedication to my goal of becoming a doctor to help others when they’re in need. I have persevered and I will continue to do so.

I’m 16 years old. The meaning of my life right now is fun, friends, family, and the future. I’m blessed to have my basic needs met and more at home. I get to focus on broader meanings and opportunities. Hanging out with my friends and boyfriend and joining the family for the Christmas tree selection expedition are what I want to do this weekend, right after I smash some records at the cheer competition. Then my boyfriend is going to take my ice skating under the twinkling lights in an adorable neighboring town. I guess to put my day to day into a larger meaning of life it would be connections with others. The activities and things I want to do are all about leading a life full of love and sharing that with others. My drive to perform well at cheerleading is more about personal accomplishment. I think while we need love and relationships, we also need to fulfill our personal goals to be able to stand up tall and be proud of ourselves for setting and reaching our goals. Life should not be wasted. The meaning of life must also be about taking the opportunities we have and using them wisely. This doesn’t mean mistakes can’t be made. We have to learn from them and apply what we learn. Education and experience must fit into the meaning of life as well. And if we see others around us without the same opportunities I’m sure as my life continues I will find more aspects of life that increase the meaning. My future goals and plans to become a pediatrician to help others will also fit into my life meaning. The meaning of life might be different for everybody and probably changes for us during the seasons of our lives.

I live my life trying to help others. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I’ve also participated in some fundraising for our local VFW. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I did get a little queasy and had to lay down and be escorted to the bathroom to ensure my own well being, but I think I will do it again because it’s worth it to think of the lives I could be helping to save. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. I love to sing and perform so I’m honored to be able to offer this service to our school sports events. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assist in the Homecoming Pride Committee spending time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I don’t tolerate others being left out when I’m in the room. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. His tale is not intended to incite pity but to remind me of my own fortune. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I have much gratitude for all I’m given in my life. I’m thankful everyday for my warm clean bed, access to food, amazing family support, and the gift of travel that I’ve been given. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when her hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. As difficult as this experience is, we know we were blessed with access to affordable modern treatment. I am thankful for this and can’t express enough gratitude for our circumstances and the opportunity to save my mom’s life. My entire outlook on life has been shaped by the incredible experiences I have been blessed with. My hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high will set myself up for success in my future. I’m not squandering my opportunities. I’ve seen what hardship and poverty can do to families and have been to places where children share beds and meals and don’t have access to medical interventions when needed. I’m going to become a pediatrician and help those in my community and as far reaching as possible to spread love and equality. I’ll greatly appreciate any scholarships that help me along the way.

Competitive cheerleading requires an exceptional amount of hard work and bravery. As a base for my stunt group, I take blows to the face on a daily basis while my flier learns a new stunt. I stop at NOTHING to save my flier from hitting the floor. I sacrifice myself during stunts and during tumbling. This sport is not for the weak. I push myself to the limit and it requires an extreme amount of bravery. I work my tail off to train and lift weights to make sure I’m in every round during competition season and am front and center leading my team to victory. I stay extra hours in the weight room. I hold extra practices at my house to ensure my stunt team is prepared and can hit every stunt without flaw. I have signed up for additional tumbling classes which I attend after 3 hour cheer practices, so that my team can earn the extra tumbling points to push us up to the top of our division. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. I push myself to the absolute limit, including shattering my pinkie this summer during a failed back-tuck. Surgery, recovery, physical therapy, and a kept cheering sideline through it all. I didn’t care how stupid my cast looked, or how limiting. At every competition, I prepare myself mentally to be brave enough to step out in front of the audience, my coach, and my teammates in the front and center to lead our team. I throw back-tucks and handsprings that other girls are terrified to try. I am BRAVE.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL achieve my goals of becoming Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact.

I live my life trying to help others. I’m fortunate to naturally have the desire to help. I volunteer every opportunity I get. I am a member of the National Honor Society and this has offered me additional opportunities to serve others. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. This didn’t take us very long - only a couple hours actually - and made an impact on me. It was overwhelming to see how many in my small local community have served our country and felt good to take action to honor and show respect for their service. I’ve also participated in some fundraising for our local VFW when in middle school and have a great-grandfather who was in the Army in WWII. Volunteering to help our veterans is something important to me. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I did get a little queasy and had to lay down and be escorted to the bathroom to ensure my own well being, but I think I will do it again because it’s worth it to think of the lives I could be helping to save. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. I love to sing and perform so I’m honored to be able to offer this service to our school sports events. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assisted in the Homecoming Pride Committee this year and spent time painting and decorating our local business windows. Helping in our community can take hours regularly but I do so happily. Participating with a group of fellow community members doing something to make our town look good and demonstrate our hometown pride is fun and I intend to continue doing so. I am also a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. These tasks didn’t require significant time commitments other than during the weeks during the events, but are activities I’m proud of and don’t view as “work”. I enjoy participating. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I don’t tolerate others being left out when I’m in the room. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

We all have a favorite teacher. My favorite is no average favorite though. Mr. Wicke is definitely a superhero. Mr. Wicke is my band teacher and has been since elementary school. He is enthusiastic every single day and clearly works really hard to motivate and excite us about music. He will take any student who wants to play or sing or perform and give them an opportunity to do so in a safe environment. Every year he meets with elementary students to help them find an instrument best suited to their talents. And even the seemingly talentless are given at least a maraca or bell to chime and with special direction become a part of something larger when playing in the band. Mr. Wicke is available every day before school, after school, and on the weekends for events and performances. He is organizing concerns, marching band, pep band, jazz band events, and finding fundraisers to keep the programs going. This year, Mr. Wicke has arranged and received approval for a trip to Tennessee where we will be able to play at a University as well as get some sight-seeing in. He knows that most of the kids in our tiny high school band have never made it out of the state, and many have never left our county. He’s offering all of us the chance to see a larger perspective and doing it through music. When one of our own band members died in a car accident earlier this year, Mr. Wicke was the first person the local police notified after the parents. Our community recognized his love for us and knew he would be able to provide the right response for students and Kirsten’s family. Mr. Wicke cancelled our marching band performance in the Memorial Day Parade and arranged for grief counseling instead. We met in the band room that morning and cried together. He told a story about Kirsten that made us all smile and laugh as well. Mr. Wicke invited Kirsten’s mother as well and she came and hugged each of us tightly. Mr. Wicke went on to lead the memorial vigil at the football field later that week and to give the Eulogy at Kirsten’s funeral. Mr. Wicke offers us the chance to learn while having fun. He has even made some TikTok dance videos with us. It’s obvious his top priority are his students. He dresses up for every holiday and every special event day offered at the school. I can’t even imagine what his closet must look at at home with all the costumes he brings in. Recently he wore a karate gi and chopped a concrete block in half at a concert to support another student in martial arts training. He makes up a secret handshake with every single student and remembers them all. He makes us feel special as individuals and supported as a group. I hope to have this type of influence on my patients someday.

It’s nearly impossible to select just one favorite scientific discovery. I couldn’t even type up my essay and submit it without the internet and computers. I might not even be here today without medical science helping my mother through my difficult birth. But if I had to choose just one favorite at the moment I would have to say it is DNA and genetics. My family has a strong history of breast cancer. Almost every single female first cousin to my mother (and my mother herself) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Almost every male on my mother’s paternal side has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The ability to conduct genetic testing to identify mutations causing these diseases to help better catch and possibly prevent cancer will probably save my life and my cousin’s life. Knowing the odds of having breast cancer offers my Aunt, cousin, and myself the opportunities to monitor for signs of cancer more frequently. It gives us the chance to schedule prophylactic surgery to remove breast tissue to remove almost all ability to have breast cancer. There are medications and other options we can utilize as well, all thanks to medical science.

My father has always struggled with mental health issues. He grew up in unfortunate circumstances and was a victim of poverty, abuse, and neglect. His mother and father fought physically almost weekly per his recollection. They used and abused alcohol and marijuana regularly. They did not provide for even the most basic needs for the 3 children in the house, of which my father was the middle. The trauma he faced and adverse childhood experiences he survived led to anxiety and depression which culminated at my birth. The day I was born, my father left the hospital and went home to pack a bag. He felt so overwhelmed by the idea of caring for and being responsible for another human life, that he couldn't face me. He moved next door with my mother's parents and climbed into bed and did not get back out. For 3 days he stayed in bed crying and begging my mother to get me into a daycare so he would feel safe to come home. My mother did find daycare services and also delivered my father to the hospital, with me in tow. She dragged my car seat into the psychiatric hospital intake and we watched as the shell of my father shuffled out in his bathrobe to group therapy. Of course I don't remember any of this. I was 3 days old. But my mother retells the story now, not to shame my father for the difficulties he struggles with, but so I will learn about mental health and my father. She wants me to understand why my father has to utilize his coping techniques religiously. He can't just skip a workout or a tanning session. He needs his time with the yardwork and listening to his music. He knows how to keep the anxiety and depression managed and now I can see how to be most supportive of him. Sometimes I watch his younger children, my siblings, so that he can take care of his needs. He's successful in work and in life by most standards. He has a beautiful home, a beautiful wife, and a great job as a manager. But happiness and joy do not come to him naturally and he has to work at it. He can sometimes be difficult to communicate with and recently has begun to project his own mental health issues onto me. If I sleep in, he freaks out and insists that I must have depression also. He makes me go outside and sit in the sun while blasting loud music to encourage an improved mood. It can be quite torturous at times, when I'm just feeling a little sick and want to rest because every time he believes it must be a mental health problem like his. He will even call my mother now to check on my mental health status at her house if I have a cold or the flu. For some reason his own experience with mental health has led him to believe that any indication of health problem is related to mental health. I'm glad he's concerned about my health and well being so I try to assure him that I'm not experiencing depression or anxiety every time I climb into bed. Understanding mental illness is the key to communication and interaction with my father and certainly with others who are struggling with similar. I share my insight and work to destigmatize mental illness.

The past 2 years have offered me personal epiphanies and growth as an individual. Things that have brought me small joys in the past are still boosting and make me smile but I’ve learned that true joy comes from the everyday and presence of my loved ones. A long warm bath brings me peace. Nailing the back handspring during a cheer competition gives me a rush of pride and accomplishment. The perfectly concocted spiced chai tea makes me smile and feel spoiled. But all of these things are nothing compared to what I’ve learned recently. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, I was home to help care for her, and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed and cried and over-came. The thrill of a perfect cheer round still pumps me up but seeing my mom and family in the bleachers watching is where I now find true joy.

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…” I love these lyrics and can relate to “brown paper packages tied up with strings” because who doesn’t love a good present?! I think surprises are the best and I love when I get a total surprise gift that is something I wouldn’t expect. Last year I got a frother for my coffee making and I didn’t even know such a thing existed. It quickly became one of my favorite utensils and brings a smile to every morning still when I get up and make my delicious coffees. TikTok is another of my guilty and simple pleasures. The videos and ability to make videos with my friends and siblings creates fun interactions and offers a quick break from the more serious tasks facing me daily. When I’m having a tough emotional moment and feeling overwhelmed from school work or a fall out with friends, I can zone out for a minute and find a couple funny videos to watch. Even better is watching and sharing videos I make with my 4, 5, and 7 year old siblings. They are each adorable and it's impossible not to giggle at their on-camera antics. Small things matter. The sunrise you catch on your drive to school can become that minute of reprieve from the challenges you face ahead of you that day. Biting into your favorite lunch of tacos with guacamole can bring a little pleasure at mid-day. Fitting in a snuggle session with the dog can brighten up your return home for the evening before all the homework and prep for tomorrow. And a nice warm bath with scented candles and your favorite strawberry shampoo can melt away the stress as you climb into bed with your favorite fluffy pajamas.

In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, and being home due to COVID allowed me to help care for her. We spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed at the prosthetic breasts the insurance company sent her and wore them as hats at dinner. I watched my mom’s cues to determine my own responses and show her my love. Sometimes she preferred laughter while other times I had to read the room and know that it was time to let the tears flow. I think the best way to show love and appreciation for others is to be self-aware and monitor their current needs at that moment. We can’t fix everything. Sometimes we just have to be present and we get back tenfold knowing our purpose while helping others.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL achieve my goals of becoming Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt. I need to be able to focus on my patients and community to make the biggest impact.

I live my life trying to help others. I’m fortunate to naturally have the desire to help. I volunteer every opportunity I get. I am a member of the National Honor Society and this has offered me additional opportunities to serve others. Most recently, I assisted in the local cemetery to collect the Veterans flags from their gravesites. We will return with new flags in the spring. I run the school blood drives and volunteer to organize and run the drive regularly each semester. This year was my first time being able to also donate blood myself, and I proudly made my first donation to be able to further help others in need. I sing the national anthem at various school functions when requested. Also, I participate in Beautification Day in our local community and I assisted in the Homecoming Pride Committee this year and spent time painting and decorating our local business windows. I am a volunteer for the Link Crew to help orient new underclassmen to the highschool. I’ve also joined with other students to meet with the Board of Education to help other young women experiencing gender discrimination to improve our school dress code enforcement. The acts of service most important to me are those done daily however. When I encounter an individual in need of a friendly face or a little olive branch, I make it my job to do just that. I don’t tolerate others being left out when I’m in the room. I speak up and ensure we all are treated equal and included.

In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, and being home due to COVID allowed me to help care for her. We spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. We laughed at the prosthetic breasts the insurance company sent her and wore them as hats at dinner. I watched my mom’s cues to determine my own responses and show her my love. Sometimes she preferred laughter while other times I had to read the room and know that it was time to let the tears flow. I think the best way to show love for others is to be self-aware and monitor their current needs at that moment. We can’t fix everything. Sometimes we just have to be present.

“Listen to me when I’m talking to you!” is a classic maternal rant at their children. As we get older and become young adults we begin to understand why this is actually so important. We stop disregarding our parents (as much as we used to anyway) and begin to see the applications of listening. My father tells stories of his childhood in an effort to help me appreciate and understand the true value of all that I have. I have loving parents who are free from substance addiction and poverty. My mother tells stories of painful cancer treatments in an effort to get me to eat healthier and reduce the toxins in my environment. I am young and like my peers, I feel invincible and without need to worry about eating my vegetables. My grandma tells stories of sliding around on snowy roads in an effort to get me to drive safely but I feel like nothing can stop my vehicle’s path. As I gain my own life experience and apply these stories to the situations I encounter, I begin to realize that being a good listener is valuable. I can learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. My family are trying to help me progress in ways they did not or could not. I’m going to make sure my father sees my gratitude and my mother watches me eat spinach and kale. And I have slowed down behind the wheel and call my grandma when I arrive at my destination so she knows that I AM LISTENING and I understand her concern and love.

I am passionate about helping others, being a leader, and advocating for equality. I’m no sheep. I stand up for what is right and I do it loudly, sometimes against significant adversity and potential retaliation. Even when it’s terrifying to speak against those in positions of power above me, I’ve had to stick to my values and passion and speak up for what is right. At my school this year female students noticed a gender biased discrepancy in our dress code and the practice of enforcing it. I helped organize a protest with tshirts designed to say “My body is not a distraction!” and we presented at the Board of Education meeting. Also, when our cheer coach was offering disparaging and body shaming remarks to teammates about their body sizes and how they should look in their uniforms, I spoke with her privately. I went on to discuss with the Athletic Director and spoke for our team against this. Despite my significant fear of fallout, I stood up for myself and my friends and saw my passion of helping others all the way to the end.

I am going to help others in my community by becoming a doctor. To do this I am going to need to be fiscally responsible and earn my degrees debt free. My father recounts his story of poverty and neglect on what seems like a daily basis. He wants to be sure I fully appreciate everything I have, and I truly do. I wouldn’t wish my father’s childhood on my worst enemy. I’ve learned more than gratitude from him though. I’ve learned that he utilized the skills he did have to make it out of that situation and improve his circumstances. His quality of life has increased tenfold because of his hard work and people skills. My educational goals do not include beer pong and underwater basket weaving. I am going to be a pediatrician. I am NOT going to be a pediatrician with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans debts. I need the freedom to focus on my education. I need the freedom to choose a good undergraduate pre-med program. I need the freedom to know I can afford medical school. With these freedoms achieved through fiscal responsibility, hard work on scholarships, studying for SATs, and keeping my GPA high, I will set myself up for success in my practice and beyond. I WILL achieve my goals of becoming Dr. Jozlyn Childs without the burden of student loan debt.

The past 2 years have offered me personal epiphanies, growth as an individual, cultivation of my relationships, and expanded my future aspirations. In March 2020 my family made difficult decisions in an effort to keep us all safe. I was sent away from home while my mom had to continue her front line job duties while exposing herself to the virus. She would come visit me and sit at the end of the driveway while we would “social distance” and catch up on our day. I missed her and I was scared. In July 2020, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She stopped working, I came home to help care for her, and we spent the next 11 months scared not only of Covid-19 but also of cancer. Our relationship faced new realities. She reviewed life insurance policies with me as I pulled her chemotherapy IV stand behind her to the bathroom at the Infusion Center. I shaved her head when the hair was falling off and we tried on wigs together. As the pandemic continues and we function with a little less fear in our new “norm” with face masks and social distancing, my mother is cancer free at this time and I’ve overcome and survived the unknown of Covid-19 and Cancer. Pushing through these hardships has offered me incredible insight and further dedication to my goal of becoming a doctor to help others when they’re in need. I have persevered and I will continue to do so.

Nelson Mandela said that "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." I completely agree and I hope to continue making big changes as I arm myself with more knowledge. One of my personal strong values is EQUALITY. All day, every day, I promote equality with my t-shirts, my art work, and even the bumper stickers on my car. I am proud to pursue equal rights for all and especially when it comes to education. It makes me sick to think of places that withhold information and knowledge from certain groups within their communities. And this equity in education needs to start at home with us, right here and now. The rising cost of tuition and outrageous student debt that individuals start their working lives with is unacceptable. It will take all of us to stand up and fight back.

There is no way I can identify only one quality or characteristic about myself that I value. I love all of me!! What's not to love??!!? I'm smart, kind, fair, strong, brave, and honest. I am persistent and I reach my goals. I love my family and chameleons. I'm creative and talented and loud and bold! I'm short and have a "toe-thumb" on one hand instead of two boring matching thumbs. I'm not too popular but I'm not unpopular either. I'm a leader in everything that I do including cheer, drama, choir, band, class council, National Honor Society, and swimming. My friends look up to me and respect me because I say what needs to be said even when it's hard to do. I face adversity and advocate for them. Recently we worked on a campaign to end body shaming at our school from our teachers and coaches. I made shirts that said "My body is not a distraction!" and we all wore them on the same day and to a Board Meeting to enact change and it is working. I'm proud of myself and think all of my qualities work together to make me who I am and able to take on projects like this. AND I am freaking hilarious! I love to have fun and I'm the life of the party. I'm the cheerleader with the big ol' mega horn! I'm the girl at the dance who walks in and gets the DJ to play some fun songs to get everybody on the dance floor. I can laugh at myself and help others do the same. I tell jokes and play games. I sing on stage at the top of my lungs and hit those high notes (usually) and even when I don't, I'm try again next time.

I am going to be a doctor. In doing so, I will continue to advocate for my beliefs in equality for women and for all. Connie could be my grandmother, as its uncanny the similarities in the things we value and pursue. I proudly wear, display, and share my views on feminism and promoting women’s rights. My t-shirts, my bedroom walls, and even my water bottle promote EQUALITY. I’m well known by my peers to be the vocal advocate for all things equality. Some find this annoying while many others find me brave and strong. When I told my family about my plans to become a doctor, most were very supportive. However, also like Connie, I also faced a little gender discrimination from my father who advised me to “just be a nurse”. Unfortunately for my old-fashioned and much behind the times father, I quickly disregarded his biased advice and continued planning my career path. Women can certainly choose to become nurses just as they can choose to become a doctor. And I am not one to assist or provide supportive services in any setting. I need to be in charge and leading the action. I am a leader in many settings, again much like Connie, I LOVE the arts and especially performance arts. I thrive on the stage singing and acting and tumbling. I will always partake in these activities and can see a clear combined path for my pursuit of art AND science. My intention with science is a career in medicine specializing in pediatrics. While I don’t plan to do a lot of research, I will be well informed and up to date on the current evidence based practices and literature so that my patients can benefit from the best interventions and science. As a Pediatrician, art will play a role in my patient encounters, my bedside manner, and even my treatment plans. Medical interventions for children must include more holistic approaches as we learn more about the advantages and benefits of music, art, and movement for humans. Engaging all of our senses to provide encompassing treatments can begin in the doctor’s office and extend into the interventions at home. While I hope I will never come upon such a tragedy, not long ago a local Pediatrician noticed a trend at her practice and bravely confronted the crisis. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha identified a trend in increased lead levels in the children of her practice. She investigated the current Flint water sources and took action to bring to the surface the environmental racism being allowed by the government to poison the population in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Hanna-Attisha saved many lives with her work on the Flint water crisis and she is a true hero. I hope to be able to respond the same everyday when confronted with such disparities and inequality. Gender equality and equal rights for all have come a long way, but with each step forward there comes some slipping back. I wish there were an end in sight for the need for us to step up and confront such behaviors. Until that day comes, I will work within my world of art and science to do everything I can for the benefit of my individual patients, the larger community, and for myself.

I felt compelled to share my personal beliefs on love and life and right and wrong in my space at home. I painted this compilation of my areas of activism and positivity on my bedroom door. I'm proud to share my thoughts and feelings with others and feel empowered when I can display this artistically. I painted all of this collage freehand and every time I walk into my bedroom I feel strong and proud. I'd like to someday share like this in some street art as well.

There is no way I can identify only one quality or characteristic about myself that I value. I thought about it long and hard and I'm going to just have to speak my truth even if it gets me disqualified from this scholarship. I love all of me!! What's not to love??!!? I'm smart, kind, fair, strong, brave, and honest. I am persistent and I reach my goals. I love my family and chameleons. I'm creative and talented and loud and bold! I'm short and have a "toe-thumb" on one hand instead of two boring matching thumbs. I'm not too popular but I'm not unpopular either. I'm a leader in everything that I do including cheer, drama, choir, band, class council, National Honor Society, and swimming. My friends look up to me and respect me because I say what needs to be said even when it's hard to do. I face adversity and advocate for them. Recently we worked on a campaign to end body shaming at our school from our teachers and coaches. I made shirts that said "My body is not a distraction!" and we all wore them on the same day and to a Board Meeting to enact change and it is working. I'm proud of myself and think all of my qualities work together to make me who I am and able to take on projects like this. AND I am freaking hilarious! I love to have fun and I'm the life of the party. I'm the cheerleader with the big ol' mega horn! I'm the girl at the dance who walks in and gets the DJ to play some fun songs to get everybody on the dance floor. I can laugh at myself and help others do the same. I tell jokes and play games. I sing on stage at the top of my lungs and hit those high notes (usually) and even when I don't, I'm try again next time. I don't give up. And most of all, I'm an amazing friend. I help my friends when I can and they know I am always here for them. I love that I'm able to be a stable rock and offer support for those in my life when they need it. Tonight I'm hosting a small group from my cheer team so that we can practice tumbling because some of the girls haven't completed their back hand-springs yet. I know they're worried they will be bumped from the team and from certain performance rounds, so I'm having them over to help them with extra training time on the mat. I have the knowledge and ability to spot for them, I have a safe tumbling mat, and I have a big pole barn that is heated so we can practice. I'm proud and so excited when I get to help my friends.

There are many things we can do to more effectively empower women. We need to continue doing these things in arenas all over the world, large and small. From small work environments at the laundromat, to giant corporate agencies like Ford, all work places need to take the below steps. Small towns in the US like Fargo and gigantic global cities like Tokyo also need to surge with these empowerment actions. Give women leadership opportunities. Kamala Harris has made history and women need for more leaders like her to surface and win visible leadership positions. Angela Merkel also set this example for women across the world, leading her country with strong sure actions. Give women education. Education offers opportunity and knowledge. Women should be encouraged and offered positions to seek higher education. Give women equal pay. The gender pay gap remains unbelievably in our modern day and age. Women still only make about $.82 for every dollar a man makes. This has improved, but we are not done yet. Pay equality must continue to be pushed and enforced. Shut down negativity about women. Words have power. We must stand against hate and harassment against women. This can be done daily in small settings and on a much larger scale. We need campaigns and groups to work together, while continuing to do our own part as individuals seeking justice and equality. Keep women safe. 1 in 3 women are estimated to experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. And sadly, they often are blamed for their victimization. We need to continue to create laws and enforce them to protect women. As a community and a world, we need to condemn actions taken by individuals that harm women. We need to ensure their safety and that their health needs are addressed both locally and globally. Encourage young women. Adults need to take initiative and encourage girls to participate and become active in their environments. Young women should be offered opportunities to speak, lead, teach, and thrive in their settings. Mentor young women. Successful women can take it upon themselves to help younger women. Offering a formal or informal mentorship can provide knowledge and skills and open doors for success for younger women. There are so many things we can do on a daily basis and on a larger scale to continue to empower women of the world. We all play a role and have a responsibility in this goal.

I'm making my impact by doing the right thing. It's not easy, at all, to stand up and speak your mind when something needs to be done or said. I've spent some tearful nights feeling abandoned by others who asked me to speak up and then were too scared to support me. But I'd rather speak out against wrong and negativity even if it means being thrown under the bus alone than to stay silent and watch others hurt. When girls on my cheer team were upset and humiliated by comments from a coach about their body shapes and sizes, I spoke up. I met with the Athletic Director and arranged a meeting with the coach. The girls stood silent and were too scared of retaliation and fallout to share what they told me. Instead, it was just me alone to speak for them and demand and end to body shaming. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do. Speaking truth against an strong authority figure is absolutely terrifying. I'm extremely proud of myself and since then my friends treat me with even more respect and see me even more as a brave leader. And, oddly enough, the coach also seems to respect me more at this time. I've learned that I can do what's right even in the face of adversity. This will continue to help me have a positive impact on the world.

I have a dream. I’m wearing scrubs. My hair is pulled back. Rubber gloves cover my hands and I can smell the sanitizer. The operating room is polished and sterile. The nurses are poised and watching me, waiting for direction. My patient is on the operating table and comfortably anesthetized. “Scalpel!” I’m ready and the nurse hands me the instrument. It’s sharp. It’s cold. It’s heavier than I expected. This is my first surgery. I’m nervous and proud to be here leading this team. I press into the skin and cut carefully and steadily to access the tumor. Hands reach into help and safely control the situation. The monitors beep steady so I know my patient is alive and well while I work to remove the cancer. I scrape and carefully remove the edges. I stitch the skin back together and leave the nurse to apply bandages. I step back and breathe a sigh of relief. I know I did it. I saved my patient and will do it again.

It is imperative that I do not go into debt, for any reason. I must work to avoid student loan debt while fully intending to complete my undergraduate degree and medical school immediately following my high school graduation. My parents are going to help me some, and I will cash flow some, and I must earn merit based and additional scholarships to ensure I can succeed at my personal finance goal. While completing my undergraduate degree in pre-medical studies, I plan to work and save $500 a month to add to the funds already started by my parents. With compound interest over the 4 years I am in college, it's likely that I will have about half of what I will need to finish medical school. I will need to find scholarships, grants, placements, and work to cover the rest. I am also hopeful my parents will be able to continue helping me cash flow this amazing investment in my future. When I finish medical school without debt, I will be able to take my first job as a doctor and save to purchase everything with cash. I plan to stay out of debt, save for a car and home, and to have an emergency fund available. This will allow me to start my adult life out right and establish a great legacy for my own children someday.

"Mama says, life is like a box of chocolates...." This famous Forest Gump quote is a great example of learning from the world and those around us, even the closest person to us. Our parents are the first in the world from whom we begin to learn. Most children watch and repeat what their parents do and say very quickly. I am no different. If there were one sentence I could share with the world today, it would be this: "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Like Forest Gump's mother tells us, we never know what we're going to get from this world. However, be it good or bad, we alone get to choose how to deal with it. We will all certainly face hardship and loss in our lives and be given the opportunity to move forward. My hope for all in the world is that they choose prosocial actions when overcoming their pain. The world would be a much better place if we did not let our hurt, hurt others.

I stand up for equality for all now, and I would do the same if I had more influence. The first thing I purchased for my vehicle when I turned 16 is a bumper sticker that says EQUALITY. I believe in fairness and doing what is right, and I want that for all people. When someone is being mean or bullying others, I say something. I call peers and even teachers and authority figures to the side if something they are doing or saying is wrong. I find a tactful way to intercede that will reduce embarrassment for everybody and try to improve the situation. Someday I will be a doctor and continue to gain influence, which will allow me even more opportunity to fight for equality for all human beings regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender, or any other circumstance. I will put my words and actions to good use as I continue to build influence in the world.

What's not to love??!!? I'm smart, kind, fair, strong, brave, and honest. I am persistent and I reach my goals. I love my family and chameleons. I'm creative and talented and loud and bold! I'm short and have a "toe-thumb" on one hand instead of two boring matching thumbs. I'm not too popular but I'm not unpopular either. I'm a leader in everything that I do including cheer, drama, choir, band, class council, National Honor Society, and swimming. AND I am freaking hilarious! I love to have fun and I'm the life of the party. I'm the cheerleading with the big ol' mega horn! I'm the girl at the dance who walks in and gets the DJ to play some fun songs to get everybody on the dance floor. I can laugh at myself and help others do the same. I tell jokes and play games. And most of all, I'm an amazing friend. I help my friends when I can and they know I am always here for them. I love that I'm able to be a stable rock and offer support for those in my life when they need it.

I want to be a doctor. I want to inspire my younger siblings to reach their goals and set their sights for the highest goals. My father wants me to be a nurse or a teacher in a more traditional women's role. I will become a doctor. I'm not sure if I want to have children of my own, so my legacy will be related to my siblings and their memories of me. I want them to see me achieve my goals and help others and cure disease. I want to help all my patients to be healthy and survive and overcome illness. I plan to do this while working hard to avoid debt and may be able to start my own practice sooner. My practice will also be a legacy that can live on beyond me. Dr. Jozlyn Childs will have a successful pediatric wing at a large children's hospital someday.

Another of my favorite Helen Keller quotes is this: "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." We can all expect the pendulum of life and circumstances to bring us some negativity and challenges. In fact, this is often when we find our greatest strengths and can learn from our mistakes and misfortunes. It can be hard to see this perspective when in the midst of peril, but hindsight and review later can help us learn from these times in our life. Not long ago I was facing the potential of losing my mother to breast cancer. She is only 41 and was diagnosed with a rare form of invasive carcinoma. While I had my tearful days and terrified moments, I stayed focused on her recovery and our future. I followed her example and that of the other family members around me and remained optimistic. We laughed a lot. We found ways to interact a lot. And with the help of a lot of love, modern medicine, and positivity, she has come through this disease successfully and is now in remission. Cancer is an afterthought for us now. I've learned that staying hopeful and positive can make a difference during a crisis and after.

My strongest motivation is my goals. I plan to become a doctor. I plan to place as a State champion in competitive cheer this season. To reach these goals, I have set up my daily life activities to be very intentional about succeeding. My day begins at 6am when I get up, put on my scrubs, and head to my medical professionals career class. I return home at 10:30am to change and get to high school for band and government class. By 2:30 it's time for cheer practice. Even on days without formal scheduled practice, I am at home with a small group working out, or at the gymnastic center working on tumbling in a small class. By 7:30pm I'm usually at home again and getting my dual enrollment college algebra classwork done and cracking my SAT PrepScholar study course to get weekly time in preparing for SATs. My entire day is planned to help me succeed and there is no time to waste. Lack of motivation isn't an option. I'm up first thing in the morning and ready to reach my goals.

I am most proud of my competitive cheerleading skills. I am a main base and every single stunt I participate in will succeed. I am strong and sure and encourage the same confidence in my stunt group. I can teach the flyer to succeed and trust in her foundation. In addition, I plan to throw a back tuck during competition this year. My coach has not factored this into our routine, but she will when she sees my success. I've worked so hard to get this skill that I even shattered my pinkie finger this summer while practicing. But I have not given up and will not quit. I worked my butt off in physical therapy and post surgery recovery. I do all my PT exercises and have strengthened my hand and wrist again after months of inactivity to regrow the bone. I signed up for individual tumbling classes and am hosting tumbling track nights in my pole barn at home. I will nail the back tuck and perform it in competition this year.

I like to help others with community advocacy and pushing for larger changes in the system. However, I think the best way to help individuals is just to be kind in your daily interactions. Everybody needs a little help sometimes and extending a friendly smile or helping hand can mean a world of difference in everyday life for most of us. Some of my favorite recent examples include when I helped my friend sing her solo during our recent theater musical performance. While she really hoped to do it and be ready to sing alone by opening night, she was too scared. She asked me to help her. I learned her song and we worked with the crew to adjust the microphones so that she could be on stage singing lower and I could stand behind her to sing along as well. She found this comfortable and she was able to succeed in her goal of getting on stage and singing.

I took a chance and read a nonfiction book called "How Not to Die". This book really changed my daily life and choices. I've started juicing vegetables and adding matcha, amla, and ginger root to my daily diet. I now also grow my own broccoli sprouts and share them with friends and family. I'm eating oatmeal and flax every day with chia seeds and goji berries. I'm eating less meat and trying to significantly reduce all animal products from my diet. My milk is now strictly oat and almond. I'm using this work of evidence based eating to improve my health and reduce/eliminate potential for disease. I'm glad to took a chance and picked up this book, even though I typically prefer to read nonfiction. We have opportunities to learn in our formal educational classes, but extending this to personal choices in what we read and expose ourselves to can make a big difference in our perspective and behaviors.

My family have made some very specific changes due to my education and advocacy. We no longer purchase plastic straws regularly. Instead, we've committed to reusable straws and wash them routinely to keep them available. We also have doubled our recycling bins recently, and started to review trash items to move to recycling bin when the younger children in the house mistakingly throw away a recyclable item. My school does not have any type of recycling available. All trash currently goes directly into the garbage. Our compound is large with 3 separate buildings. I am currently helping organized a group to arrange for an easy recycling plan in each building that will require minimal effort. We are going to get recycling containers and label them. We will designate an individual for each building to collect and schedule for pick up. We also hope to monitor and use of these bins so we can demonstrate a positive outcome and use of the bins, to encourage growing the program and impact.

My favorite genre of book is fiction however the most inspiring book I've reach is a nonfiction book about evidence based eating. "How Not to Die" is an incredible work of evidence based and most current healthy eating practices. The book is split in half to make is easy to utilize and search by food or by disease. The references are easily researchable and the time and energy of those compiling these studies bring the most current scientific data on eating for longevity right to our fingertips in one place. This book has inspired my daily life and my habits and choices are changing for the better. The whole concept is available to share with others. There are documentaries supporting the evidence and offering various tactics to try to share this valuable content with others in our lives. I have started making oatmeal with flax seed, chia seeds, goji berries, and cardamom for breakfast every day. I juice kale, beets, carrots, apples, turmeric, and sprinkle matcha, amla powder, and ginger root every day. I've learned how to grow my own broccoli sprouts and I share them with my mom and grandma every week when a new batch is fresh and available. I bring my own seasonings with me in my purse to keep them handy to add a boost of antioxidants (and flavor) to each meal when eating out. I want to live a healthy lifestyle and be free from disease. This book has offered me the knowledge to be able to best do this. While fictional books are entertaining and can sometimes offer epiphany's about life and love, this nonfiction masterpiece is my clear vote for most inspiring to date!

To me being an American means freedom. Freedoms to pursue Happiness and to be myself. I can be me and strive for success and live without fear of hateful discrimination in daily life.

I love Rosalind Franklin. I appreciate her work on DNA. I appreciate her work as a female scientist in STEM. her work with xrays are important.

When I visited the Louvre 2 years ago, I saw so many amazing statues, paintings, and various culture rich pieces of work. I wandered around, following the maps and self-guided tours, primarily on the search for the Mona Lisa painting. I was amazing by how close we could get to the painting, once we waited our turn to get to the front of the viewing area. I couldn't believe I was looking at THE ACTUAL Mona Lisa. I've seen pictures online of course. But to see the actual painting and be in the presence of something so famous and spectacular from such an inspiring artist made me feel connected with the world. I felt connected with history and with mankind before us. While I did not feel connected with the painting's subject matter, and still couldn't tell you what her expression is meant to share, I did feel connected with the artist and his painstaking work to capture it all.

I am constantly singing or listening to music. I also play my flute in the concert band and marching band. I perform in the theater productions and take on every lead singing solo role that I can find. I am scheduled to debut with the "Let it Go" hit from Frozen at our next production. I've performed it over and over at home as I prepare for the opening. I'm learning to start low so that I can hit the high notes when we get there. Last week I also used TikTok to develop a special sibling music video for my younger brothers and sister. Combined with the music, it was so beautiful that both of my parents and my sister cried and watched it several times. Music can set the mood. It can pick us up when we're down. It can help us finish our races faster. It sets the stages for theater and dance performances. It speaks when we can't at funeral services. I LOVE music. There is not just one song that most inspires me. I listen constantly with a bunch of playlists for various circumstances and mood. If I had to pick one song that most embodies me right now, it would be one like "Run the World" by Beyonce.

Happiness is chasing the end of a rainbow after a storm with your little cousins. Happiness is ice cream sundaes on a hot day in the summer with your best friends. Happiness is cuddling on the couch for movie night together with the whole family. Happiness is hard to define. It can be so many big and small things. I've been ecstatic over accomplishments when I work hard - like earning the front row spot at cheer. I want to do a backflip when I got an A on my Algebra Mid-Term. I'm happy when my mom makes my favorite dinner of lasagna. I try to find small things every day to be happy about, even if it means a little joke shared with friends in a group message. I look forward to continued happiness and finding it in my life every day when I can go off to college and pursue my medical degree.

My self care is built into every single day. The activities I choose to include in my day to day are almost all incredibly enjoyable for me. I love going to learn about the medical careers and am excited every morning to put on my scrubs and head to the career center. After career center, I drive back to school for band. Band is so much fun and can be relaxing when I play a flute solo or participate in the various games our teacher uses to keep us all engaged. I have a college math class currently and even enjoy the feeling I get when I submit my work each week. I was originally very worried I would struggle with this class but am proudly pushing forward and doing really well. I make sure I take time to eat something healthy at home before going back to the school for cheer practice. Taking the time to stretch and be proud of my strength with my jumps, tumbling, and stunts is the best self-care time I have all day. I go home and take a long bath, which is my ultimate wind down of self-care every day, and then I'm ready to get to bed and ensure I have enough sleep to get me through another amazing day again tomorrow.

Invest in yourself! Invest in your education! Invest in your retirement! I'm going to do all of these things. My first priority is my education. I'm saving in my new credit union savings account for medical school already. My plan is to attend a local college and get as many scholarships as possible so that I can pay the rest out of pocket and avoid accumulation of any student debt. I can live from home with my parents and get a part time job, to continue saving for my medical school. My bachelor's degree will hopefully be fully paid for when I graduate, and I'm setting a goal to save with investment in a mutual fund for a diversified fund group that offers a consistent market matching flow of interest. If I can get a job as a lifeguard for about 20 hours each week during my undergraduate years, I should be able to sock away $500 a month. I can add this monthly amount to my parents college savings for me and my own current savings of $13,000. With compound interest over 4 years at an average 10% rate of return, I should have about $50,000 ready for medical school. This may only cover a year, but my parents also plan to save more and to help me cash flow my education as much as possible. If I can work at all during medical school, that would help as well. Ultimately, I will become a doctor and work to be completely debt free so I can save aggressively for my family and my future.

"Jozlyn! You did it!" My friend Sarah typed back to me. We made a pact to complete a 30 day fitness challenge on social media and we would check in with each other several times a day to compare progress. Each of us committed to 100 sit ups, 100 push-ups, and to run 1 mile every day. We also reviewed recipes and found ways to improve some of our favorite meals by adding vegetables and reducing animal products. I switched my daily milk to oat milk and have added spinach to my pizza and pastas. I even tried some of my mom's kale chips, but despite their health benefits, I didn't like them enough to make kale a regular habit. Since this challenge I've learned that I CAN RUN 1 MILE! I feel more fit and in shape and like knowing I can do something healthy by adding certain foods to my diet and removing others (or at least reducing). I think we all have to find balance when it comes to longevity and health.

I shattered my pinkie finger this summer during cheer practice while trying to complete a back tuck. I was absolutely devastated for months. I had no idea at first that this was going to take me off the cheer floor for months. I didn't know that full surgery would be required and months of immobilization to my pinkie and wrist. Months of physical therapy were also required and the recovery was difficult and painful. I didn't care. I told my Occupational Therapist that I wanted to see him 3 times a week, even though I cried through much of the treatment sessions. I desperately wanted to get back to my cheer team and able to fully participate. I was scared to lose my positions in stunting and for the next season. Cheer is VERY important to me. It's something I'm very good at and I truly enjoy. Last week I was approved by my surgeon to return to full practices and I am very proud of my ability to overcome this setback and return to the team.

Unfortunately patience is a virtue I continue to develop on a daily basis. I have 3 young siblings whom I help care for at home and they often push my patience to the limit. I am in public high school and surrounded by a diverse group of school peers who have widely varying personalities, perspectives, and abilities. I am a team member for competitive cheer and constantly make effort to work cohesively in a group of emotional girls. I love my younger sister and brothers. I love and value diversity within my peer group at school. I LOVE cheerleading and working together to hit our stunts. And so, each of these roles and the patience required are worthy of my extra effort. If I have to step away from an intense situation and regain my patience, then I do that. If I need to call a friend for support and reminder of the value of patience in these circumstances, it's worth it. So next time I find my 4 year old brother, Wally, flushing my makeup brushes down the toilet, I will take a deep breath and try to approach him calmly. And when I can't get my classwork done because other kids in class are playing paper-wad football over my head, I will take a deep breath and respond with patience. AND, when my cheer stunt group flier forgets to point her toes and kicks me in the face at practice tonight, I shall continue to do my best to respond with as much patience as possible. There's always room to improve when it comes to patience.

I recently got my drivers license on my 16th birthday and because of my "growth" mindset, I was quick to correct them on my listed height. I have grown from 4'11 to 5'1!!! Ha! Ok, ok, that is probably not the growth mindset we should be focused on but it could actually be. While I've always been short and wanted so bad to grow a few more inches, there is not much I can do to control that. However, I can and do control my thoughts and feelings on the subject. I do keep an open mind when trying to reach goals or change circumstances that I may not be able to control. I adapt. I overcome. I change perspective. I can wear taller shoes. I can take pictures at better angles. I can laugh with my friends at my "short girl" problems. I can be proud of myself for my self-acceptance and self-love which has no size limits.

I cannot wait to get my drivers license next week. This will bring SO MUCH independence to my world. I am a very responsible student and daughter but I have to rely on my family to get me to drama, cheer, and classes. I manage my busy schedule and take a college math class while participating in a medical careers course each day before high school classes. I am a leader on my cheer team and take on extra responsibilities including organizing team work meetings and banquet awards. I lead stunt groups and weight training sessions. I run for class council officer while juggling homecoming float building and making posters for the football team. I wear my invisalign and track my medications to ensure my own health. While I have a very supportive and loving family, they've taught me to do my laundry, cook and prepare my meals, and clean my room. I am treated with respect and earn it every day with my independence. I know that when it comes time to drive and to leave my mother's home, I am ready because of being given the opportunity now to learn to care for myself. And I can do it. I am doing it.

All humans are impacted by their memories and experiences. This is a good example of the nature vs nurture question. Are we influenced more by our genetics or our environment and experiences? Well I think we all know that both are important factors. There is a memory from my past that helped me become who I am today significantly. When I was 5 years old my mom took me to a gymnastics class. I was SO excited to play and learn. The big pool of foam blocks to jump into off the trampoline was my favorite...until I found the climbing rope. I watched the other kids in my class make it to the top, and I could see my mom and grandpa watching for my turn. I didn't even make it half way on that first try. But, I told my mom that I was going to make it next time, and I did! My mom literally had tears in her eyes and she was so proud of little me. After that, I knew I was going to reach my goals and keep making my mom and myself proud. Today, I continue to set goals and crush them. Right now, my goal is to complete a back-tuck for competitive cheer season. I almost had it but missed and completely shattered my pinkie finger. I had surgery with pins put in and struggled to recover. I fought through physical therapy and the pain to get my finger and wrist to work again. I just got clearance to return to the floor and accomplished every single stunt at my first practice back. That back tuck will happen. I reach my goals.

I always stay true to myself. I keep my space full of reminders of my favorite things and encouraging sayings. I keep my bedroom, my bag, and even my water bottle full of empowering images and words. I wake up with my lit sign with a fresh fun saying on it every day. My walls are covered in pictures of my family and friends. I always know what is important to me and I do not let others crush my energy. Instead, I promote my positive energy and I am not afraid to speak my truth and my beliefs. I stick up for others and I find a healthy assertive way to promote empowerment of all individuals and equality. I just got my first car and have already purchased bumper stickers for EQUALITY. Displaying my belief system helps others know that I will stay true to myself and I say what I mean and mean what I say.

Grandma! Do not lift that heavy box! I try to help my grandparents, who are also my immediate next door neighbors, with things now that I am old enough to do so. They've always taken care of me and it's my turn to help them now. They used to carry me, push my stroller, change my diaper, carry my backpack, and completely help with my entire upbringing. But now, as a teenager and young adult, I help them. I insist on lifting and helping carry items that they now struggle with. I help them cook and shop and can even go get the car to drop them off or pick them up at a door. Often I help them with technology. My grandpa is still trying to figure out a touch screen cell phone and does not use any social media. I've been able to help him connect with friends more by demonstrating text messages and helping show him verbal commands which are more user friendly to him. I help my grandmother care for my younger cousin so that she doesn't try to lift or carry the smaller kids. I try to help everybody around me, especially seniors whenever possible. In fact, just yesterday at the local grocery store, I took a senior woman to find the item she was looking for because she appeared so lost and asked me for help. I think in general, we need to be respectful and helpful to all others when out in our community.

This year I volunteered to be on Link Crew at my school. Link crew is a team of upper classmen at my high school who serve as mentors to Freshmen. Our team met together a week before school started again to train and prepare on how to be a good mentor for the younger incoming students. I remember what my first days as a high school freshmen were like. I am short and the taller and more mature students were very confident and loud. I felt like I was swimming in a sea of human bodies and nobody could even see me. It took some time to overcome this and a large part of my gaining confidence and adapting to the environment was due to the upper classmen who demonstrated for me how to interact properly and engage in activities. I felt included during band, drama, and cheerleading as a freshmen. I wanted to do the same for the younger students now that I am the confident (still short) outgoing student. I utilized the tools given us and we played games and told stories to small groups of freshmen to set good examples and help welcome them gently into the environment of older students. I could see a young girl who was being very shy and not speaking at all. I pulled her aside later subtly and told her she can reach out to me and that everything was going to be comfortable for her. I think that helped her a lot. I did notice she smiled a little more after that. I hope to continue being a mentor as I mature and help others be confident and comfortable where they're at by leading as a good example.

The school dress code sexualizes women's bodies and promotes rape culture. This year a group of students decided to take action and make sure we were heard. Our voices have been heard and are being taken into consideration about how the dress code could be impoved in way that young woman are comfortable at school.

We went to Paris one year before Notre Dame burned in 2019. We flew into France from London during a transportation strike. The strike had caused various closures and flight cancellations, so we were a day late and had to find a unique path via subway trains to get to our hotel. We had never been to Paris before and none of us spoke French. We had to change trains several times, and finally decided we were close to our hotel and would walk the rest of the way. We emerged from the dark subway stairs, up into the light and found ourselves face to face with this beautiful building. Notre Dame in 2018 in the mid-day sunlight was a huge and beautiful presence. We navigated the bustle of foot traffic along the river and in the front courtyard. The closer we got, the larger Notre Dame became. A man feeding pigeons threw seed out and the birds swarmed all around us. Even this flock of determined birds didn't slow our pace to get to this incredible structure. Before this experience, I did not realize that buildings could be art. Really, this building is a million pieces of art put together to create an absolutely unbelievable giant masterpiece. The arches and tower with the flying buttresses strike me first. The details in the windows and the famous gargoyles were next. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have seen this work of art before the tragedy in 2019.

I am going to be a doctor. I'm considering becoming a surgeon and perhaps even a pediatric surgeon. At this time in my life however, I am a patient. I am a recent surgery patient. I shattered my pinkie finger when attempting a back-tuck during cheerleading practice one month ago. My coach said I got some good air and it would have been perfect had I landed on my feet instead of one finger. The pain was extreme. I ended up needing a full on knock-you-out surgery to have pins inserted to help my pinkie finger grow back properly. The pain of having two solid metal pins crammed into a tiny little already smashed up pinkie finger turned out to be higher than my doctor anticipated. I was vomiting and unable to cope with the pain. I couldn't understand why the doctor and my mom didn't want me to have the medicine that would take away the pain. When they did choose to prescribe pain medications, my mom kept close watch and monitored the distribution of the narcotics. It is still hard for me to understand addiction because fortunately I am not addicted and nobody in my immediate family suffers from addiction either. But I could tell my mom was afraid of what could happen if I become dependent on the narcotic pain pills. She taught me more about addiction and how it has ruined so many lives and how easy it can be to become addicted. I've done a little more research on substance use disorders since my surgery and learned that the best type of evidence based interventions currently include Medication Assisted Treatment. As a doctor, I hope to someday use my own practice and services to effectively treat pain and prevent addictions. I also can pursue training in Medication Assisted Treatment to help others safely utilize medications that can improve their chances of overcoming substance use disorders. With a doctor and good therapists, the patients has much better odds of success. There are various medications used for different types of substance use disorders. Also, my family carries Narcan in their vehicles in case we happen upon an overdose victim. Narcan can quickly reverse effects of opioids and save lives when readily available. I noticed a Narcan distribution project at our local pharmacy and we were able to procure two cannisters to keep on hand. You never know when someone might need help and it can't hurt to be prepared.

I think everybody deserves a second chance. In fact, we should never give up on humans and sometimes more than a second chance might be necessary. I do think in some cases healthy boundaries may need to be set, so that the helper can ensure they are in fact helping and supporting rather than enabling. My goal is to become a doctor so that I can help others and give people a second chance. Becoming a doctor and listening to my patients without making assumptions will be key in providing hope and opportunity for those in need of a second chance. I was recently ignored by my surgeon, who spoke only to my parents. He didn't even look at me. I felt like a dog or some animal who was brought into the vet. It felt like he didn't think I had feelings or any kind of responsibility to care for myself. In fact, I do all of the caring for my injury and I can answer questions about my own pain level and abilities. He treated me like an animal. He kept telling my mother that teenagers are all noncompliant and bad patients and made me feel in adequate. I plan to listen to each and every patient, regardless of age, race, or history. I know many patients feel disregarded when discussing their pain. Many doctors are wary of drug abusers and there are high restrictions and scrutiny of pain management interactions. I want ALL of my patients to know they start with a clean slate with me and I will listen to them and help them in every way that I can. I think it is imperative we do not put our own trauma and history on the patient. Every patient deserves another chance and an opportunity to have their medical needs met with out judgement and assumptions. If I'm given the opportunity to win this scholarship, it puts me even closer to being able to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor and helping others. I will be able to impact hundreds and maybe thousands with my perspective and kind clinical interventions. This will help spread the love and pay it forward to countless others, while confirming the notion that a second chance is always worth giving and receiving. I hope to inspire others with my actions as a professional every single day. I have already started this in my daily life as a student and plan to continue.

We don't have to be rich to be generous. Generosity can be more than just the giving of money and financial assistance. While its very easy to be generous when you have a lot, it is not necessary. Even someone with very little can give and be generous. Possessions are not the only things with which we can give. I do hope that someday I will be financially able to give generously to others. I would love to be able to set aside a percentage of my wealth to give to others. I want to do this formally in the context of philanthropy perhaps as a scholarship or foundation as well as informally by helping individuals around me in small ways such as buying their meal or groceries. I have a plan to remain debt free and save smartly, so that I can accomplish this goal. In the meantime, I'm generous with my love and support. I help my friends and family. I help those who others won't. I step up and include others into conversations and activities. I share and am generous with the skills I've been blessed with. I am generous with my social abilities and communication skills. I can help others fit in and stand up for themselves. I fight for others and defend them on social media when cyber bullies are present. I hope to continue my generosity in many different ways as I mature and am able.

When I find sayings that I like, I sometimes print them out. I have made some short phrases into stickers to put onto my water bottles and folders at school. Sometimes I hang printed sayings on my bedrooms walls, and I've also bought flags to hang and display some of my favorite sayings. Recently, my mom let me paint my bedroom door with anything I wanted. I took this opportunity to add some of my most favorite phrases that make me feel happy and feel like I'm standing up for what I believe in. One of my current favorite words of wisdom is this: "Let your smile change the world, but don't let the world change your smile." To me this is about staying positive and spreading your positivity, regardless of adversity. I do everything I can to help others, to make sure others feel included, and to protect others who cannot protect themselves. This can mean putting myself in the face of negativity and it might be easy to let that negativity dash my own spirit. Keeping reminders like this saying around me can help me know that I'm not alone. I like to know that others have obviously felt the same way and that keeps my spirit going to keep my smile and charge forward into the world!

My mother says we there is no cost too high for our health and our education. I think she's wrong. I think the cost is too high. The actual price of health care and higher education is becoming overwhelmingly impossible. Young adults should not have to go into a lifetime of debt in order to pursue a higher education in America. Student loans are almost a requirement, and the FAFSA is a requirement without independent out of pocket ability to pay for college. There are policy makers who use education for their platform. They proclaim there will be free college for all. They proclaim they will pay off the debts and student loans for those buried in bills. These empty promises fool many and offer hope where there is none. Where is the integrity? What if each university had programming to offer internships for the majority of students? Place students in real job situations and settings and teach them while offering their classroom hours. Model for students how to balance work and school and let us avoid the debts. If I could find a job in a hospital or health setting, as I proceed with my pre-medicine undergraduate track, I could learn hands on and offer something to the work field. Collaborations between the hospitals and universities could allow for discounted courses. These partnerships could offer professors opportunities to teach from their work setting in real time settings. Students would gain an improved educational experience, take on less debt, and make connections for job seeking in the future. Education would benefit from these types of collaborations between employers and educators. The employers would benefit as well from this type of win-win system. These types of understandings do exist already in some areas and further benefit would come from making them more widespread.

"Jozzzzzzzziiieee!!" The sound of the children screaming my name always makes me smile. I can't help but laugh when I finally get to my dad's house and all 3 of his littles coming running at me. They scream and giggle and tackle into me every single time I walk in the door. They do the same when I call or video chat them. Then they dance ridiculously in front of the camera, begging for my attention. "Jozzie! Watch this!" "Jozzie!! Look at me!" "Jozzie!!! I can do a handstand!!" All 3 of the kids want my immediate attention and pretty much it stays that way all weekend long. They want me to see their dances and tricks and to sit by them on the couch and get them treats and read them a story. These kids and their energy keep me positive and give me hope. These kids and their innocence offer hope to the entire world. Naysayers cannot withstand their sweet little faces and tiny little hands. The Grinch himself would submit to a smile and some hope if confronted by this crew. They've kept me busy over the years. I've helped raise them. I change diapers, do bath time, offer tuck in's. I braid hair, toss little bodies in the pool, and serve meals. I hold hands and help survive the parking lots safely. They will keep me tied to this little town in Michigan. I know I will try to leave for college and be summoned back by my own need for connection. They inspire hope and love and a good future. They are part of my life through no choice of my own, but I cannot live without them. They bring me joy and they will help bring a better future for me and the world.

We need a multiprong solution to helping more people who struggle with mental health. Direct service interventions need to be more accessible and more closely monitored to ensure those in need are receiving appropriate interventions. Along with this, we need legislation allowing for these measures to occur with less red tape and more practical application. Finally, we need to continue to promote mental health awareness and bring a more mainstream society understanding of the issues. Clinicians who treat those with mental health problems need to be able to provide interventions at the time of need for the patient. Red tape and multi tiered systems for accessing help need to be removed. Allow therapists the opportunity to deliver service and receive payment directly, to eliminate the many steps in between patient requesting help and patient finally receiving help. When you are hurting, and have to contact a secretary who is not focused on your mental health but your insurance information, it's off-putting and makes it almost impossible for most needing treatment. Policy makers should promote and simplify access to these services. Eliminate the insurance company's abilities to shirk their responsibility. Force these companies to provide coverage with reduce paperwork and much more simple reimbursement processes so that the clinicians can quickly accept patients and treat when service is needed. Finally, continue to pursue mainstream awareness projects. The semicolon movement is an excellent example of this. More 5k walks and runs and races with mental health as the focus are needed. Continue to talk about mental health to gain understanding in the mainstream culture and media.

Love your neighbor. If this one little commandment were followed by all, I believe the biggest problems ever facing the world would be resolved. I truly think "world peace" could be achieved. If everybody could stick to the "be kind" mantra, we would be in a much better position to tackle additional problems. I don't think everybody needs to share the same opinion, but they could express their opinions in a kind manner and work together to try theories and resolve conflict. Our world of "haves" and "have nots" is unacceptable. We need to share and love and work together. This one little thing, "love your neighbor", would help us resolve pandemics, wars, environmental plight....you name it and working together harmoniously would resolve it. I suppose there are some ways to work on this problem. How to teach others to love and lead with kindness is not as easy and you might think though. Kindergarten teachers try to instill this in their students. Many parents try as well. However, there are those parents who do not. There are missing parents, neglectful parents, addicted parents, and worse. The negative and hateful traits get passed on often and overcoming this is not easy. The Grinch is a classic and comical take on how to overcome an individual who does realize in the end that "being kind" is to his benefit - and the benefit of all. I think we could all reach out more, like Cindy-Lou-Who and spread love to increase love. We can't give up on those who seem lost.

Dave Ramsey offers financial advice to millions of listeners every day. My mother and step-father listen to him regularly and have always tried to share his knowledge and concepts with us. I have not taken Financial Peace yet, but my mother is unrelenting in offering Dave's advice. She says that if I can get through college without debt, I will be set for life. She says that it is imperative that I work part time and apply for scholarships and do anything I can to reduce or eliminate the need to take school loans. I plan to become a doctor. The other day we were seeing a surgeon for my broken finger. The doctor was young and my mother told him I want to also become a surgeon someday. He laughed and said get ready for the debt. My mom told him that I would be working and had better not get into a lot of debt. I don't think he believed her, but it did seem like he was weighed down with the burden of his school loans. I hope to follow this advice and make it without significant debt to become a doctor. I think I can get most of my undergraduate work paid for with scholarships and part time work and some help from my parents. I am hopeful I can do as well for medical school, but I will need to do some more research and scholarship applications too. If I can stay out of debt, I can set myself up for success with my future family and home.

My favorite book is Gone With the Wind. I love this book (and movie) because of the lead character, Scarlett O'Hara. While being the heroine of the story, she also portrays some undesirable characteristics. She is able to grasp your attention and get you to root for her from the beginning, despite her consuming selfishness. She fights for what she wants. Scarlett begins her story with her desire to marry one specific man. She is focused on this goal and is not aware of the larger world changing circumstances which surround her. While oblivious to the coming war and the true hardships faced by many of those in her southern world, her story remains compelling as we watch her struggle to survive and keep appearances. I enjoy this book because of Scarlett's ability to make giant mistakes, demonstrate great selfishness, and still keep us pulling for her. For me, the story is about being human. We can make mistakes, be blinded by petty and ridiculous things, and still demonstrate a strength and qualities that make us redeemable.

I am going to help people. I am going to help children with the medical knowledge I will have and my outstanding bedside manner. I try to help all those around me already, and can’t wait to get the education to allow me to be a doctor. I get straight A grades and plan to continue to do so. I’m a leader in my school and community. I reach out to others and go out of my way to make sure everybody around me is comfortable in the room. I see myself in scrubs and a white lab coat. In another 10 years, I can already picture myself working the hospital floor and getting eye level with patients to ensure we’re communicating effectively. I can envision collaborating with the nurses and nurse aides to ensure whole patient care is being effective. I will do my best to heal their pain and illness. At the same time, I will take great care to alleviate their fears and provide education and explanation for their treatment plan. I will be honest and kind. I will take the time to listen and ensure they know I care. These efforts to heal the sick while demonstrating compassion and empathy are my vision. If I can help one person using these techniques, I will be successful. However, I plan to help a lot more than just one. If I can begin by helping individual patients successfully, I will spread my style with my influence. Doctors are well respected in all communities and leaders in their work environment. I will continue to be a leader and will set an example for others. I will seek leadership roles, join committees, and offer my speaking services. Mixing humor in with the compassion will add impact to spread this style to those around me. While I can effect those around me now, my ability to impact the community will grow as my education and skill set develop. Social media can also help with this goal. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and much can be accomplished with the right campaign. I dream of being able to spread love and healing through social media as well. And as my career further develops, I could further give back with my own foundation and even a scholarship to help others gain the education they need to make a positive impact on the world.